Recent Posts

Revelation 12:11a—“And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony”.

Satan and his hosts of demons have, according to previous verses of this chapter, been trying to destroy Israel and Christ and all the believers on earth. Satanic destruction has been unleashed against believers throughout the ages and will reach its climax against the saints of the Great Tribulation. He will try to destroy and slaughter all of the believing people.

However, Satan will be defeated. Notice what our text says: “they overcame him”. Believers will overcome all satanic opposition and persecution. How would they overcome Satan and his demonic hosts? According to our text, their overcoming of Satan and his demons was not by rebuke, incantations, bindings of demons or exorcism.

They overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb. Revelation 7:14 describes the Tribulation saints as “they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb”. Because of Christ’s blood shed for their redemption, no accusation would stand. No accusation against the suffering saints of the Great Tribulation would stand before the throne of God. In fact,  no accusation against any believer of any age would stand. It is not that they possess some personal power of their own, but rather that “God hath set forth (Christ) to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God” (Romans 3:25). As Paul said, “To the praise of the glory of his grace, wherein he hath made us accepted in the beloved. In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:6-7; cf. Colossians 1:14). All of the accusations against us fall on deaf ears because we have been saved by the blood of the Lamb, even our Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 9:12, 14).

What’s more, the believers also overcame Satan “by the word of their testimony”. In a world filled with demonic treachery and opposition, their testimony never wavered. They remained faithful regardless of all the threatening situations brought against them by the fury of Satan. They were unflinching and unwavering in the face of hostility. Their witness was clear and steadfast. Truly, Christians do not surrender. As “overcomers”, they go forth bearing Christ’s testimony, even in times of satanic hostility.

Testimony of a New GBI (India) Student

Kynsai Kupar Thabah (from Meghalaya)

I was born and brought up in a Christian family. At the age of 12, I went to study in Sohra, and after two months of my stay there, my father passed away. I studied in Sohra up to my 10th standard. But when I was in my 9th standard, I started to have a taste of alcohol. This venture was more of an experience of fun with my friends. After I completed my studies in Sohra, I went to Shillong to continue with my higher secondary education. It was during those years that I started getting into substance abuse and all sorts of intoxication. 

At that point in life, I just had a mere understanding of the Christian faith. I would pray, and I would read the Bible at times, but I did all of these because I was taught to do so as a so-called Christian. Also, I was never a regular churchgoer. In the year 2017, I was living a life of an atheist. I would be absent from tuition and use the tuition fees to buy alcohol, ganja, tobacco and the like. I would lie to my mother, telling her that I needed money for school projects, but I used the money she gave me to buy these substances. I lived life to my own wishes and walked in my own freedom. I lived a wayward life, and I could never truly obey my mother. Because I stayed with my relatives, I came home late at night. The nights were spent drinking alcohol with my friends, going to bars and parties. I would go to festivals where DJs would be performing, so that I could drink alcohol and enjoy partying. 

It was on a particular Sunday (5th August 2018) when a friend called me up to invite me to attend a church service with him. But I declined his invitation, postponing that to the following Sunday. When the 12th of August arrived, we went to a fellowship meeting. It was a church service organised out of a request by the youths. It was on that particular day that I heard the preaching of the Gospel. At that very moment, there was a strong conviction of the Holy Spirit which made me understand that I am a sinner, condemned and guilty, and a hopeless person without Christ.

I turned away from my sins and repented, trusting in Christ and His finished work. There was a transformation in my life. I saw that God enabled me to leave my old life. I started staying away from my friends whom I was close to all along. I used to love dancing to the DJ’s beats, but after God saved me on the 12th of August 2018, all of those old desires and habits died. On 15th August 2018, there were several DJs performing at nearby Ward’s Lake, and though I went there (still with some intention of enjoying and dancing), all of the music played became bland to me. There was no love for such things anymore. 

I started reading the Bible and started to love going to church. There was also a desire to grow in the Word of God. When I look back at my life and the years which have passed, I see the mercy of God. If it was not for His mercy, I would have died in my sins and would be damned for eternity. I realise that God has sought and found me, even if I had run away from Him. God, by His grace, saved a sinner like me, and I have hope in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.

READ:

1 Peter 5:5b

^5b Yea, all of you be subject one to another.

EXHORTATION:

Not only should the younger Christians submit unto the elder, but all should submit one to another. This is a very remarkable instruction which, if practised by everyone in the church, will bring about great peace and progress in the Lord’s work. It is the golden rule for church unity and kingdom advancement.

Though there are offices and positions of authority in the church, no one is to lord over another. All members ought to esteem and treat one another with respect. The pastors and elders must serve the people; the people should serve the pastors and elders. All must feel a sense of obligation to serve and thus to profit one another.

Members of the church should not undermine the leadership by speaking disparagingly of godly pastors and elders. They should not slander or berate them simply because they feel that their decisions or actions should have been different. A submissive communication with the leaders to clarify the matter is the right thing to do. Any disrespectful and abusive confrontation with godly men in the leadership is not only unbiblical, but also damaging to the spiritual unity of the church.

At the same time, seniors and men who hold offices in the church should not be aloof or over-exacting. In 1 Timothy 5:1, Paul advised Timothy to treat “the younger men as brethren”. Though they need to be strong and indeed wield spiritual authority, they must also listen to others respectfully. Both gentleness and firmness must characterise their leadership, with real concern shown for the unity of the church. They should not be domineering or self-promoting; they must be prepared to admit their mistake when in the wrong.

As a corollary, the younger men will get to learn submissive conduct from their elders and, in the process, be trained to assume leadership roles in church. Only men who serve God and His people submissively can be qualified as leaders of the church. The combination of godly leadership and submissive “follower-ship” with an attitude of humble respect for one another is God’s will concerning His church. Truly, if we would not regard ourselves lower than others, or be willing to gladly execute the meanest of offices and be ready on all occasions to “take the lowest place”, it would be downright impossible to be submissive.

READ:

1 Peter 5:5a

^5a Likewise, ye younger, submit yourselves unto the elder.

EXHORTATION:

The apostle Peter requires the younger believers to submit unto “the elder”. Apparently, such submission to “the elder” is with respect to the latter’s age as well as office in the church.

It is not uncommon to hear of young men viewing older folks as outdated and outworn. Young people tend to spurn the ideas and suggestions of older men. They show frustration with older men’s cautious and patient approach to matters; they even judge the latter to be slothful or obstructive. To add insult to injury, some young people seem to have lost all proper manners, behaving rudely and crudely towards elder Christians. Such uncouth, impudent conduct runs counter to the divine counsels.

Scripture demands that young men must show respect unto the elder. “Thou shalt rise up before the hoary head, and honour the face of the old man, and fear thy God: I am the LORD” (Leviticus 19:32). Reverence for the elderly must be inculcated as being part of the fear of God. If we fear God and keep His commandments, then we must also show respect and submission to the elder.

Young people must realise that years of learning and experience will have added greater wisdom and understanding to a godly elder. Indeed, “The hoary head is a crown of glory, if it be found in the way of righteousness” (Proverbs 16:31). So, there is much wisdom in submitting to a godly elder. Respect for age is not only good manners, it also constitutes wise and godly conduct as taught in God’s Word.

Godly and pious aged men can be a great source of wise counsels and guidance. Having accumulated years of experience, they are qualified to be young people’s advisers and guides. Their biblical instructions should not be rejected. In fact, it is to the young people’s advantage that God has provided them with godly elders in the church. They should not only show respect, but should also diligently seek and follow their wise counsels.

What if an elder is wrong? What if he has spoken or acted unwisely? 1 Timothy 5:1 advises us to “rebuke not an elder, but intreat him as a father”. We must not adopt a harsh, crude manner when we correct him. Rather, we must with meekness persuade him. We must appeal to his mind, showing politeness and respect due unto a father.

READ:

1 Peter 2:17

¹⁷ Honour all men. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the king.

EXHORTATION:

The apostle Peter here instructs Christians on their conduct in society. Though Christians are free in the Lord Jesus Christ, they must not act irresponsibly in the communities which God has placed them in. In the preceding verse, Peter exhorted: “As free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.” To guide Christians in their proper conduct as God’s servants in their respective communities, Peter gives them four rules of conduct.

Firstly, Peter commands Christians to “honour all men”. Believers must treat every person with dignity and respect. Respect and honour must be accorded to even unbelievers as human beings. We must recognise the worth of all human beings in God’s sight and live so as to attract them to faith in Christ. A contemptuous disposition will not help us in our efforts to win them for Christ. The poor and the afflicted in society must not be despised. Proverbs 17:5 says, “Whoso mocketh the poor reproacheth his Maker: and he that is glad at calamities shall not be unpunished.”

Secondly, Christians are commanded to “love the brotherhood”. All human beings should be respected, but there is a special bond among fellow believers. Christians are not only brethren, but a brotherhood, i.e. one body in Christ. Christians are a fraternity united in Christ. We gather in the church as members of one family with a special fraternal affection for one another. Loving the brotherhood of believers is our duty and privilege. Loving and being loved fortify every Christian as he lives in a world of many temptations and trials. A sympathetic demeanour towards fellow Christians is crucial to Christian camaraderie and advancement.

Thirdly, Christians are taught to “fear God”. The highest reverence and total submission must be due unto our God at all times. If this be found wanting, none of the other three duties can be performed rightly. As Ecclesiastes 12:13 tells us, “Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

Finally, Christians are commanded to “honour the king”. Early Christians were commanded to respect the Roman emperor Nero’s authority though they could not but loathe his crimes. Christians must give due honour to those who rule the country. We may not agree with their beliefs and practices, but we must honour them for their office’s sake.

READ:

Psalm 112:1

¹ Praise ye the LORD. Blessed is the man that feareth the LORD, that delighteth greatly in his commandments.

EXHORTATION:

This psalm begins with the sound of great joy and worship: “Praise ye the LORD”. The Hebrew word translated here as “Praise ye the LORD” is Hallelujah. In fact, it is a call or a command to God’s people to praise the LORD. It is a call to worship the LORD.

It is our duty as God’s people to encourage one another to praise the LORD, for He is worthy of our praise. “Let the people praise thee, O God; let all the people praise thee” (Psalm 67:3, 5). The LORD always deserves praise, so we ought always to render it. Let us not be forgetful to praise the LORD; it is always good to be stirred up to praise the LORD.

God’s people must praise the LORD that there is always a remnant group of people who fear Him and obey His Word in this world of rebellion and wickedness. Everyone who praises God is a blessed individual.

The word “blessed” denotes spiritual happiness. True happiness belongs to those who fear the LORD. Reverential worship and joyful obedience to God are the hallmarks of those who fear the LORD. Lives that are fully centred on the worship of God will exhibit great joy. The fear of the LORD will keep the corruptions and shame of sin out of their lives, as well as keep them pure and happy in His presence.

Those who fear the LORD will have His wisdom to lead them away from all the perils of sin and ungodliness. Their reverential approach to the Word of God will fill them with its eternal wisdom and truth. They take great pleasure in the commandments of the LORD, unlike those who grudgingly approach the Word. Therefore, their lives will be filled with the goodness and blessings of His counsels.

The lives of those who fear the LORD and delight themselves in the Word of God will be filled with divine blessings. As Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom: a good understanding have all they that do his commandments: his praise endureth for ever.”

The tragedy of those who do not fear the LORD is that they walk according to the follies of their sinful hearts. Because they despise God’s Word, they will be without the light of His wisdom. Conversely, those who fear the LORD and delight in His Word will be filled with joy and praise unto Him.

READ:

Job 28:28

²⁸ And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding.

EXHORTATION:

Job was, according to God’s testimony, “one that feared God, and eschewed evil” (Job 1:1, 8; 2:3). However, Satan challenged the genuineness of Job’s fear of God, saying, “Doth Job fear God for nought?” Satan was suggesting that the reason for Job’s fear of God was the divine protection and blessings he enjoyed; but if God would remove His protection, Job would deny God. Similarly, Job’s friends also accused him of not having the fear of God. One of them said to Job, “Yea, thou castest off fear, and restrainest prayer before God” (Job 15:4). But the truth of the matter was Job feared God and hated evil, and his accusers did not! Therefore he, not they, had wisdom and understanding.

According to the verse for today, Job held firm in his conviction that the essence of God’s message to man is that the fear of the LORD secures wisdom and holiness for oneself. One’s wisdom and holiness are not based on one’s cleverness or power of reasoning. In fact, Scripture warns us, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil” (Proverbs 3:7). This is a strong prohibition against intellectual pride which promotes self-sufficiency, self-conceit and self-reliance. To be self-contented with one’s own wisdom will cause a person to forsake and forget the LORD, who is the source of true wisdom. To trust in oneself and one’s own wisdom is a terrible folly. God denounces this attitude in Isaiah 5:21, saying, “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” Proverbs 26:12 also vehemently condemns self-conceit: “Seest thou a man wise in his own conceit? there is more hope of a fool than of him.” Likewise, Proverbs 28:26 cautions: “He that trusteth in his own heart is a fool”. No man is wise enough to conduct all the affairs of his life by his own knowledge and discretion.

Far from being confident about our own thoughts and ideas, we must examine their genuineness, motive, accuracy, etc. We must not accept them without first evaluating them under the light of God’s perfect wisdom as revealed in His Word. We must always be predisposed to referring all our thoughts to God first. We must fear the LORD as such fear is the best corrective to our own wisdom, which engenders arrogance, presumptuousness of mind, self-deception and proneness to sin. The wisdom coming from the fear of the LORD always teaches us to resist sin.

READ:

Proverbs 1:7

⁷ The fear of the LORD is the beginning of knowledge: but fools despise wisdom and instruction.

EXHORTATION:

The fear of the LORD is not just an initial attitude necessary for obtaining wisdom. Neither is it represented as an attitude that can be ignored later in life. It is expected to be a permanent attitude, as it is always a prerequisite for wise living.

Though the word “fear” is often used in a negative sense, it is also portrayed in the Scriptures as a positive attitude that we must have towards God. While the phrase “the fear of the LORD” denotes the sense of dread and terror of His wrath against sin and rebellion, it also denotes the idea of reverence, worship, submission and filial confidence that His people expresses towards His greatness and glory. So, “the fear of the LORD” indicates the right attitude of heart towards God, as opposed to the unbelieving and disobedient attitude towards Him.

“The fear of the LORD” is then the reverential attitude that keeps us submissive to the LORD, and away from all wickedness which He hates. The covenant name of God, “the LORD”, in the phrase further enhances this understanding, for it demands a reverential, submissive, loyal response from His people.

We are urged in Proverbs 23:17 to maintain the fear of the LORD all through the day – “but be thou in the fear of the LORD all the day long.” The fear of the LORD must be a habitual influence upon our thoughts, ambitions, relationships, communications and activities. This holy frame of mind should characterise us in all of our lives’ private and public affairs all the day long, not just during times of prayer and worship.

When we fear the LORD, our minds will be attuned to the good and perfect will of God. It will keep us in reverence of His Word, which is the source of His wisdom, truth and power for our daily Christian living. It will restrain us from the follies and corruptions that accompany all defiant and godless minds. It will direct us to all good and glorious virtues that are promoted by God’s wisdom. Hence, the fear of the LORD is the root of wise conduct and right living. Only a fool would think that fearing the LORD is unwise; only a fool would show his contempt for divine wisdom and truth. Not to fear God is to wallow in the corruption and foolishness of a defiant, unbelieving, unrestrained and disobedient mind.

READ:

Romans 12:16b

^16b Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.

EXHORTATION:

Having commanded Christians to “Be of the same mind one toward another”, the apostle Paul then further advises them on how to maintain such a harmonious co-existence with fellow Christians. According to this apostolic advice, the Christian unity within the church is largely dependent on how each would think of himself in relation to others.

Hence Christians are told: “Mind not high things”. In other words, no Christian should be thinking of high things for himself. Seeking or aspiring honour, rank, wealth, company of wealthy men, etc. would lead to self-aggrandisement at the expense of others. Being too ambitious prevents one from accepting humble positions and tasks for the glory of God and for the betterment of others. Being high-minded or snobbish prevents one from stooping down to serve ordinary people or those who are of low degree. Thinking too highly of oneself can lead one to despise others and even to engage in “smear campaigns” to damage others’ reputations.

Every Christian ought to be humble and not try to grasp things which are out of his reach, or too high for him, or beyond his capacity. In order to serve everyone equally, he has to get off his “high horse” and get low to attend to their needs. We are also advised to “condescend to men of low estate”. We must not disdain to take notice of, or greet, or commune with, men of lowly (temporal or spiritual) condition. We must make special efforts to humbly mingle with the lowly.

Moreover, we are also warned to “be not wise in your own conceits”. No one should conduct himself as though he has all the wisdom while others have none. It is ungodly to think of oneself as socially and intellectually superior to others. Such an one is not so in the eyes of God and others. Self-conceit is often attended with bad consequences. It spoils a man’s usefulness and prevents his improvement in knowledge. It induces him to reject wise counsels given to him and to treat fellow Christians contemptuously, eventually bringing shame and pain upon himself. Proverbs 3:7 warns us, “Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the LORD, and depart from evil.” Likewise, Isaiah 5:21 cautions: “Woe unto them that are wise in their own eyes, and prudent in their own sight!” So, let us avoid being wise in our own minds.

Sermon Text: Psalm 51
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 13th August 2023

We commemorate the 21st Anniversary of our Chinese Service today. A combined Thanksgiving Service is held together with the 8:30am English Service for the praise of Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Shepherd of the church. 

What a joy it is to witness three elderly folks joining our church today, through the ministry of Gethsemane Chinese Service! They have come to know the Lord and find fellowship in the Chinese Service and the Seniors’ Ministry. 

Mdm Mak Yock Theng (82 yrs), to be baptised today, has been coming to our church and ministries with her husband, Mr Ng Weng San (member of our Chinese Service), for several years. They are the parents of Bro. David Ng (TGCM staff), who has been praying for their salvation and encouraging them to turn to Christ in faith. Likewise, Mr Tay Nga Nga (72 yrs) was brought to our church by his daughter (a non-Gethsemanean) who joins our church services occasionally. He has been regularly worshipping in the Chinese Service in recent years. Mr Yap Yam Hua (88 yrs), a Christian living alone, was introduced to us by his nephew. Having attended our church services for a few years, he has decided to transfer his membership to our church. 

Let us continue to pray for the Chinese Service and the labour of Pr Daniel Lim in preaching the Word for the spiritual nurture of all who attend this church ministry. We also pray for Elder Alan Choy, Dn Gan Chin Hwi and others who serve along with Pr Daniel. May the Lord purify and preserve all the brethren for His coming and for His eternal kingdom.

Testimonies of Candidates of Transfer of Membership

Ho Xiu Ling

I’m a first-generation Christian. The Gospel seed had been sown in my heart since childhood when I attended a Methodist primary school. I heard the Gospel through the school’s chapel services and Christian fellowship in school. 

I started to attend church together with my siblings when my sister’s church friends reached out to us after my mother passed away when I was at the age of 12. Not too long after that, I accepted Christ in my life.

God has always been wonderful in my life. He is my comfort, strength and provider. I received baptism by faith when I was 15 years old. The Word of God has helped me to stay faithful and not stray away from it into worldly things.

Since I met my fiancé James 2 years ago, I started to attend the same church as him at Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. I have grown more in faith over this period of time. Thank God for all the blessings in my life. To God be the glory!

James Voon

Though I was born into a non-Christian family, my parents decided to enrol me in mission schools since kindergarten. This was because of my quiet and reserved nature. My parents were hopeful that this would help me to open up to others. Thus, from kindergarten all the way to my secondary school, I was exposed to the Gospel. It was during one of the Bible study sessions in my primary school, that I was convicted of my sins, and I accepted Christ as my Saviour.

That was some 30 years ago. Through many years of ups and downs in my spiritual life, the Lord remains compassionate and faithful to me. I am now a regular worshipper at Gethsemane B-P Church, having started worshipping there almost 9 years ago. Because of the sound preaching at Gethsemane and the fellowship I received, I have decided to become a member of Gethsemane B-P Church.

Ministry Updates from Cebu, the Philippines 

Pastor Reggor Galarpe (Gethsemane B-P Church, Cebu) has reported about the church and its related ministries. Here’s an excerpt from Pastor Reggor’s email. 

“We thank you and the Board of Elders for the half-month financial support received. It’s a big help for our families, which is especially timely since it’s school opening also for our children. Praise God! ... Praise God that GBI-Cebu’s new semester has begun on 7th August 2023, with the Day of Prayer and Registration. Thank God for the enrolment of 18 students – with 4 of them studying full time, namely Johnny Rey Ebin, Dave Taburada, Synoname Estacion and our dear brother, Julius del Rosario… Regarding our search for a prospective church building, we have scheduled a meeting and ocular survey (11th August) of a property introduced to us. It is situated some 19 km away from Cebu City… We will keep you posted on this. Please pray for God’s help and guidance… Lastly, our greetings to TGCM and the Gethsemane Chinese Service on their respective anniversaries!”