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Christ’s coming to this world about 2000 years ago is declared in John 1:14 – “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

This verse presents one of the most awe-inspiring truths of the Christian faith: the Incarnation of Christ. In these few words, the apostle John encapsulates the mystery and majesty of the birth of Jesus Christ, even God becoming Man. The eternal Word, who has existed with God and is God (John 1:1), took on human flesh and lived among humanity (v. 14). This is not merely a theological concept, but the foundational reality of our salvation.

The opening phrase, “And the Word was made flesh” declares a staggering truth: God Himself became fully human. The term “flesh” emphasises Christ’s full humanity—He experienced hunger, thirst, fatigue, sorrow. Yet, He did not cease to be fully divine in becoming flesh. The Incarnation is not the story of a man becoming God, but of God taking on human nature! Jesus Christ, the eternal Word, stepped into time and space, to be born and to live as a human while retaining His divine essence. The phrase, “the Word was made flesh”, declares to us that Jesus, who is fully God, took upon Himself full humanity.

The phrase, “dwelt among us”, reveals the apostle John’s and his contemporaries’ familiarity with Christ’s coming as a man. The Greek Word (skēnoō) for “dwelt” literally means “to pitch a tent” or “to tabernacle”. To the apostles, His presence was not distant or abstract; it was tangible, real, and life-changing!

John then declares, “we beheld his glory”. The disciples and those who encountered Christ saw His divine majesty displayed through His words, miracles, and, ultimately, His sacrificial death and resurrection. This glory was not just a reflection of God, but the very glory of “the only begotten of the Father”, a title underscoring Christ’s unique and eternal relationship with the Father.

Furthermore, Christ came, being “full of grace and truth”. Grace speaks of God’s unmerited favour towards sinful humanity, while truth emphasises the reliability and faithfulness of Christ’s words and actions. In Christ, grace and truth are perfectly united, offering us forgiveness and guidance.

The wonder of the Incarnation is beautifully captured in Charles Wesley’s hymn, “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing”:

“Veiled in flesh the Godhead see,
Hail th’ incarnate Deity!
Pleased as man with men to dwell,
Jesus, our Emmanuel.”

What an astounding reality! God became one of us so that He might redeem us. The Incarnation is not merely a doctrine to understand, but a truth to marvel at and a Saviour to worship. Let us behold His glory, receive His grace, and walk in His truth.

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Testimonies of New Members

Nathan Resuma

“And we know that all things work together for good, to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28).

I have been brought to Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church (GBPC) by my parents at a very young age. And by God’s gracious calling, I accepted Jesus Christ as my Lord and Saviour at the age of seven. I thank God for leading my parents to Gethsemane, and for saving me at a young age, that I may be part of this church. I thank God for Pastor Koshy, the preachers and GCM teachers, who expounded God’s Word faithfully. I praise the Lord for the leadership of Gethsemane BPC (Pastor and the elders), the deacons and members, who serve in humility and utmost faithfulness. 

Looking back, I see God’s mighty hand working in my life, for it was by His providence that my parents came to Gethsemane BPC so that they could raise me and my siblings in the fear of the LORD. Growing up in Gethsemane is truly a blessing, and has a significant effect on my spiritual growth. Here, I have many opportunities to learn valuable lessons and spiritual truths through the faithful preaching of God’s Word by Pastor and the preachers – in fellowship meetings (GCM, GYF, GMF, GFF), seminars and special church gatherings (such as missionary conference, church camp, Bible Witness retreat), GBI classes, Tuesday night prayer meetings, Sunday worship services, and even the recently concluded catechism class that helped me to revise and understand clearly the doctrines of the church. 

It is my earnest prayer and desire to grow in wisdom and understanding of God’s Word, and apply the truths that I’ve learned in my life. I also thank God for spiritually mature brethren who helped, corrected and rebuked me so that I may continually walk in His ways. May the Lord continue to help me to obey His Word, serve Him in Gethsemane, and enable me to follow after His will and purposes.

Bertha Leong

I first learnt about Jesus in my Catholic primary school, through participation in mass and catechism classes. My family also started following my grandmother to a charismatic church. I enjoyed the many Bible stories taught in the kids’ classes, though I questioned some of their practices. Eventually, our family moved to a Baptist church, which led me to read the KJV instead of NIV Bible. Here’s where I discovered the difference between certain words used along with certain omissions. 

Though I attended church regularly, I realised I was not actively seeking God then. During my first three months in JC, I met a very dear friend who brought me to Calvary Pandan BPC. That was when I started attending the Sunset Gospel Hour and eventually the Sunday morning service, where I gained a lot of Bible knowledge. Subsequently, during the Covid season, I started watching various churches’ webcasts, and eventually decided to visit Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. I’ve really enjoyed the messages preached here, especially the “how do we apply” aspect in relation to the “what we have learnt” part. Looking forward to God’s continuous leading, I hope to grow closer to Him and bear a good Christian testimony to the people He has put in my life.

Jored Ballega

Psalm 40:2 – “He brought me up also out of an horrible pit, out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings.”

I thank God for saving me through His grace and the finished work of Jesus Christ. As Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.” Despite being lost in sin and utterly undeserving of His favour, God has chosen to love me unconditionally. His mercy redeemed me from destruction, forgave my sins, and granted me a new life in Christ.

There was a time when I felt the weight of my sinfulness, and was overwhelmed by God’s abundant love. I realised that no effort of my own could ever save me—only Christ’s sacrifice could secure my salvation. This revelation of the Gospel transformed my heart and life forever. Truly, “Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures” (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). This truth fills me with hope, peace, and the assurance of eternal life.

As I journey with God, I am thankful for how He continually affirms my faith through His Word and His work in my life. Romans 10:17 reminds us, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” God has placed within me a profound hunger to know Him more, and I find immense joy in studying Scripture, hearing faithful preaching, and applying Biblical truths to my daily life. Through opportunities like the catechism class, I have gained a deeper understanding of sound doctrine, which strengthened my convictions. These teachings have helped me grasp essential truths, such as salvation, discipleship, and the need to guard against false doctrines. They have equipped me to stand firm in my faith, defend the Gospel with gentleness and respect (1 Peter 3:15), and live as a faithful witness to Christ.

Although I still encounter struggles, uncertainties, and moments of weakness, God remains my steadfast Guide, strengthening me day by day. As Hebrews 11:1 exhorts, “faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” With this assurance, I press on, finding joy in God’s unchanging faithfulness and His continued work in my life.

I praise God for leading me to Gethsemane B-P Church, where I have been spiritually nourished, guided, and nurtured under the faithful leadership of Pastor Koshy, the elders, and preachers. I am grateful for the abundant ministries that have helped my spiritual growth—Lord’s Day worship, prayer meeting, Children’s Bible Study programmes, Youth Fellowship, GBI Online Bible studies, Church camps and retreats, etc. Being part of this church has blessed me with godly examples, Christian fellowship, and encouragement to grow in holiness and walk in righteousness.

As I prepare to join the church as a member, I recognise this as both a great privilege and a solemn responsibility. My prayer is rooted in Colossians 1:10—“That ye might walk worthy of the Lord unto all pleasing, being fruitful in every good work, and increasing in the knowledge of God”. I seek to be a vessel of honour, sanctified, and prepared for the Master’s use (2 Timothy 2:21), devoted to serving Him and His people.

May God grant me the grace to remain steadfast in the faith, unwavering in His truth, and committed to living for His glory. To Him alone be all praise and honour. Amen.

Sermon Text: Luke 2:25–35
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 22nd December 2024

READ:

Luke 12:32

³² Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father's good pleasure to give you the kingdom.

EXHORTATION:

The Lord Jesus Christ is the loving Shepherd of all those who follow Him in faith and obedience. Jesus referred to His followers as His flock. Concerning them, He said, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me” (John 10:27). Interestingly, He called them “little flock”, referring to the fact that they were few in number and defenceless on their own against their foes.

Jesus referred to them as “little flock”, not to ridicule their small frame or frail existence in this hostile world, but to tenderly assure them of God’s love. He knew how terrified they would be at the sight of the cruel and ravenous enemies surrounding them. Without the strength and means to defend or escape, they would be frightened and discouraged. So their kind Shepherd instructed them not to fear. He calmed their anxious, troubled hearts, saying, “Fear not, little flock”.

Throughout Scripture, the Lord has encouraged His people not to fear. In fact, Scripture has exhorted believers about 84 times to “fear not”, or “fear ye not”, or “fear thou not”. Let us not fear temptations, trials or sufferings or even death. Fear can wreck our peace and effectiveness. So our Lord does not want us to live in constant dread of troubles.

It is the Lord’s instruction that we constantly think of the heavenly Father’s good pleasure towards us. So He proclaimed, “for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” Instead of thinking of those things that cause fear, we should think of the good pleasure of our God that gives us His kingdom. Instead of giving in to slavish fear, we should think of His goodness towards us which makes us heirs of His kingdom through His Son. Our minds must dwell upon God’s tender love towards us. Troubles may come upon us, but they will never succeed to hinder our heavenly Father’s love and goodness towards us.

We are now heirs of God and joint-heirs with Christ. As Paul said in Romans 8:17, “And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ; if so be that we suffer with him, that we may be also glorified together.” Let us endure the trials that would come our way as they only prove that we are not a people of this world ruled by Satan, but rather, heirs of God’s eternal kingdom.

 

READ:

Deuteronomy 6:5

⁵ And thou shalt love the LORD thy God with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.

EXHORTATION:

Jesus referred to this commandment as “the first and great commandment” (Matthew 22:37-38). The very first thing we notice here is that the LORD our God asks for our love. The Almighty craves the affection of His people. His heart rejoices to see that all whom He has redeemed would love Him. The LORD regards Himself glorified when His people love Him wholeheartedly.

He commands their love because He loves them and presents Himself to each one of them as “the LORD thy God”. The LORD has revealed Himself as the only true God, thus delivering His people from the deception of their own hearts and false religions. It is after the proclamation, “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God is one LORD”, that He commanded that His people love Him. His people must love Him because He has proffered Himself as the true God to them. On their own, they would never have found Him to be the true God. It is His peculiar love for them which made Him declare unto them that the LORD is God, and there is none other.

Oh, how we ought to love our God for He has made Himself known to us and has also reconciled us to Himself through the offer of His Son for the forgiveness of our sins. We have Him now as our God for He has covenanted Himself to us by the blood of His Son. He is no more unknown to us; neither are we alienated from Him. He has given Himself to us that we may enjoy Him forever. His perfections, His power, His providence, His grace, and all His wondrous virtues are for us to delight in. “We love him, because he first loved us” (1 John 4:19).

The LORD also instructed His people as to how they ought to love Him. He said that they ought to love Him “with all thine heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy might.” He who loves God with all his heart, loves Him above all else. Such a man is ready to give up or suffer anything to please and glorify his God. He is totally dedicated to the LORD with an undivided heart. He who loves God with all his soul and with all his life is ready to give up even his life. He would rather endure his sufferings and accept death than dishonour his God. He who loves God with all his strength exerts all the powers of his body and soul in the service of God. Total submission to God’s glory is the mark of one’s love for God.

 

READ:

Amos 5:14

¹⁴ Seek good, and not evil, that ye may live: and so the LORD, the God of hosts, shall be with you, as ye have spoken.

EXHORTATION:

Earlier in this chapter, the prophet had repeatedly exhorted the Israelites to seek the LORD (vv. 4, 6, 8). This verse further explains the implications of the exhortation to seek the LORD. Those who seek the LORD will also seek to do His good will.

The “good” that God’s people ought to seek is not what they think is good, but what the LORD has revealed as good. All that His Word requires of us is good, which we must seek diligently to perform. The LORD said through Moses in Deuteronomy 12:28, “Observe and hear all these words which I command thee, that it may go well with thee, and with thy children after thee for ever, when thou doest that which is good and right in the sight of the LORD thy God.” The prophet Micah was also tasked by the LORD to instruct His people: “He hath shewed thee, O man, what is good; and what doth the LORD require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?” (Micah 6:8).

Yet the people were not only doing evil, but also seeking it diligently. They rejoiced in all that which God detested. They sought out evil and the occasions for it. As long as they sought evil, they would not seek good. So they must first put away evil. As Isaiah has written, “Wash you, make you clean; put away the evil of your doings from before mine eyes; cease to do evil; learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow” (Isaiah 1:16-17).

God’s people must be singular in their pursuit of good. They must seek good with total commitment. Unmitigated adherence to good and complete severance from evil is what God commands. In Romans 12:9, the apostle Paul instructs, “Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.” The LORD requires that His people seek good wholly, not only occasionally. “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil” (Psalm 97:10a). “Depart from evil, and do good; seek peace, and pursue it” (Psalm 34:14).

Pursuing the LORD and His good will have the guarantee of the highest blessings in the lives of God’s people. It has the promise of everlasting life and divine friendship. The “God of hosts” will be with them to guide, guard and garnish their lives with His blessings. He who follows the good ways of the LORD, has the LORD for himself.

 

READ:

Amos 5:6a

⁶ Seek the LORD, and ye shall live;

EXHORTATION:

The prophet Amos had just ended a lamentation over the impending death of the people of the “house of Israel” (5:1-5). A “lament” is a poem of grief sung at a funeral. Prophets used this poetic form to mourn the death of a city, people or nation (cf. Jeremiah 9:10-11, 17-22; Lamentations 1-5; Ezekiel 19; 26:17-18). Though Israel had been enjoying material prosperity under Jeroboam II, her judgment was so certain that Amos lamented her fall as though it had already happened. To his listeners, his lament would have been like listening to their own obituary being read out to them.

Despite the certainty of national judgment, individuals were encouraged to seek the LORD and live. Unless they would repent of their idolatry and wickedness, God Himself would see to their destruction. The admonition of the prophet is: “Seek the LORD, and ye shall live; lest he break out like fire in the house of Joseph, and devour it, and there be none to quench it in Bethel” (v. 6). Though Bethel (which means “house of God”) was a place of worship and blessing, they had desecrated it with their idols. All their activities of worship were an abomination to God. What matters was not the location, but their heart’s devotion to God. So, if they would continue to stay in Bethel but would not turn to God, they would inevitably experience what He has revealed Himself to be in Deuteronomy 4:24 – “the LORD thy God is a consuming fire”!

The command to seek the LORD has been repeated four times in this chapter (vv. 4, 6, 8, 14). It means that they must turn to Him at once. They should not hesitate nor procrastinate in returning to the LORD. Neither should they approach Him in ritualistic, disingenuous worship. Their hearts must seek Him with sincere love and fervent devotion.

The LORD promised that they shall live if they seek Him. The LORD promised to rescue them from the threat of impending calamities which were looming over the nation. But there was something more than their preservation from the impending peril. Turning to the LORD would also guarantee their souls’ eternal life. The LORD is merciful and calls sinners to turn to Him to enjoy the blessings of His good pleasure. “As I live, saith the Lord GOD, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked; but that the wicked turn from his way and live: turn ye, turn ye from your evil ways; for why will ye die, O house of Israel?” (Ezekiel 33:11).

 

READ:

Psalm 19:7b

^7b The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.

EXHORTATION:

David here refers to the Scriptures as “the testimony of the LORD”. In many other places, Scripture also refers to itself as the testimony of the LORD. For instance, Psalm 119 refers to the Scriptures as the “testimony” or “testimonies” of the LORD about 23 times. The Hebrew word for “testimony” (‘?dût) as used here means “that which is borne witness to”. Scripture is the LORD’s testimony because it is His own affirmation of all things that are recorded in it. The Bible is a Divine Witness. All that is revealed in Scripture is God’s own true report.

David says that “the testimony of the LORD is sure”. The Hebrew word for “sure” suggests ideas such as “faithful”, “established” and “verified”. The LORD’s testimony is absolutely true. God has attested to the faithfulness of all that the Scriptures say. Though many unbelieving men challenge the accuracy of the biblical records, God bears witness to their authenticity. The LORD has validated the absolute truthfulness of all that Scripture says. Whatever it says is true, whether it be the account of God’s creation of all things in six days, the universal flood of Noah’s time, the virgin birth, miracles, death and resurrection of Christ, or the prophecies concerning the last days. We can fully trust the veracity of all its doctrines, counsels, promises, history, prophecies, and all else that it says.

David also declares that God’s Word makes the simple wise. The Hebrew word translated “simple” refers to someone who is naive or undiscerning. Because of his ignorance and gullibility, he makes foolish choices and is easily deceived. Yet, if he pays heed to Scripture, it will make him wise. The word “wise” describes one who lives according to divine truths. He is guided in life by the knowledge that God’s Word provides. He submits to Scripture and applies its counsels to his circumstances. The Word of God thus transforms a simple-minded person with no discernment, and makes him skilled in all matters of life. In 2 Timothy 3:15-17, Paul reminds Timothy, who had been brought up in the knowledge of God’s Word, “that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” Studying and applying God’s Word in our lives will invariably make us wise.

 

READ:

Psalm 19:7a

^7a The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul.

EXHORTATION:

David here speaks of the Scriptures as “the law of the Lord”. The Hebrew word for “law” (torah) means “teaching”, “instruction”, “doctrine”, “precept”, etc. It is used here to denote the instructive nature of the Scriptures. Through the Scriptures, God instructs us about all things with regard to our faith and conduct. It is through the Scriptures that God’s truth and wisdom are communicated to us in order to guide us according to His will.

The phrase “the law of the LORD” also indicates that the LORD is the source of all that is written therein. Scripture is God’s authentic, authoritative revelation. Its truths proceed from God’s mind. They are for our divine instruction. They are not human ideas and theories, but God’s truths revealed through His servants. As the apostle Peter said, referring to the Scriptures, “For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost” (2 Peter 1:21).

Concerning the law of the LORD, David says that it is “perfect”. It is God’s complete, absolute, unerring truth. It is absolutely sufficient, lacking nothing in guiding His people in His truth. There is no error or ambiguity in the Scriptures. In the Scriptures, God’s people have His supreme wisdom to guide them in all matters of life. Hence, David also says, “As for God, his way is perfect: the word of the LORD is tried: he is a buckler to all those that trust in him” (Psalm 18:30). David’s high esteem of Scripture as the perfect Word of God is found in many of his psalms. For instance, in Psalm 119:127-128, he testified, “Therefore I love thy commandments above gold; yea, above fine gold. Therefore I esteem all thy precepts concerning all things to be right; and I hate every false way.”

David not only speaks of the perfect character of Scripture, but also of its amazing power in “converting the soul”. The Hebrew word translated as “converting” also means “turning”, “restoring”, “transforming”, etc. When the truth of God’s Word is received into the soul, it has the power to convict and change a sinner into the way of salvation and righteousness. When its counsels are applied to the soul, the soul shall be restored. Scripture is the perfect manual which the LORD – the Restorer of our souls (Psalm 23:3) – has provided for our blessing.

 

READ:

Psalm 19:1

¹ The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth his handywork.

EXHORTATION:

Psalm 19 consists of two parts. In the first six verses, it speaks of God’s glory manifested in His work of creation, namely the heavens and the sun. The rest of the psalm speaks of God’s wisdom revealed in His Word. God’s glory revealed in the nature is referred to as His natural revelation, whereas God’s Word recorded in the Scriptures, which more clearly reveals God to us, is known as His special revelation.

The grandeur of God, as revealed in the natural world, is evident even to the heathen. As Paul says, “Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath shewed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse” (Romans 1:19-20).

In all of the universe, including our earth, the power and wisdom of God can be seen. Even in little things of the earth, like the flowers of the field, the wisdom and glory of God the Creator are seen. However, David has particularly selected the heavens for our contemplation of God’s glory. The splendour of the world above us is so designed to lead us to contemplate the greatness of God the Creator.

David mentions twice in Psalm 19:1 that the heavens proclaim God’s glory. Everyone who scans the heavens should know that they bear witness to the glory of God. In our modern world, with all its technological advances, we are able to see more than ever before the great wonders of God’s creation in the heavens above us. Today, we can see the dazzling sights of the “outer space”, captured on printed pictures and on TV screens, through the powerful lenses that enable man to peer further and further into the vast endless space above us.

David affirms that the heavens above openly bear testimony that God is their supreme Architect. The heavens proclaim loudly and distinctly to us that they have been fashioned by His Hands. Like a beautiful fabric, the heavens above had been stretched out by God, and garnished with the shining sun and countless stars. They did not come together by chance. God is the Creator of them all. The spectacular sight that we behold in the heavens must draw us to the magnificence and grandeur of their Creator.

 

Our sovereign and gracious God has faithfully guided our church in its 37-year history, leading us to engage in numerous Gospel mission frontiers. We are profoundly grateful for His providence, which has enabled us to train, commission, and support many faithful servants in the mission fields He has opened before us.

By God’s grace, we continue to prepare and equip those called to the ministry in these mission fields. The Gethsemane Bible Institutes (GBI) overseas remain devoted to training scores of men annually for the ministry. These institutions represent a vital part of our commitment to the Gospel.

The Lord has also blessed us with opportunities to provide monthly support to pastors, teachers, preachers, and students in need. Through the generous giving of our members and friends, we have rented and built facilities, including properties purchased to advance Gospel missions. Over the past 25 years, millions of dollars have been joyfully invested in these projects to sustain and expand the work of His kingdom.

Today, we have a fresh opportunity to further the Gospel. We must act swiftly to secure a one-acre plot of land for a new GBI campus and church. The deposit has been paid, but $100,000 more is urgently needed by the end of January 2025 to complete the purchase.

We urge you to pray earnestly and give cheerfully as the Lord enables. Your support will advance the Gospel and glorify God among many abroad. Please watch for updates during Sunday announcements, and let us respond quickly, trusting God to use our efforts for His glory. As 2 Corinthians 9:13 reminds us, may this work prompt many to “glorify God for your professed subjection unto the gospel of Christ, and for your liberal distribution unto them, and unto all men”.

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Daily Vacation Bible School 2024 Testimonies

Annabelle Lim
I thank God for the opportunity to attend this year’s DVBS on the theme, “Joy Unspeakable”, held at Gethsemane Media Centre from 27 to 29 November 2024. Actually, I had been afflicted for several weeks with an unspecified headache, which made me seriously doubt if I would be able to go through the DVBS lessons. Thank God for His sustaining grace and the occasional relief from the medicine. I wish to share some thoughts I had gathered through our preachers who taught us.

Day 1 Morning Lesson: Joy in Salvation (Text: Luke 15:1-10)
I learnt from the parables of the “Lost Sheep” and “Lost Coin”, taken from Luke 15:1-10, that every soul is important to God. When one soul is saved, the whole heaven rejoices! Jesus is delighted to save sinners. When we are saved, we are joyful because we have escaped hell and inherited the promise of heaven. Moreover, we receive true joy (a fruit of the Spirit) that can never be destroyed. When an unbeliever is saved, we should be delighted that another person is added to the kingdom of God!

Day 1 Afternoon Lesson: Job Overcame Sadness (Text: Job 1)
I learnt that everything goes according to God’s own will and purpose. For example, from the life of Job, God’s purpose for his sufferings was to prove to Satan that Job was a just man. I also learnt that whatever happens to us, we cannot blame God. Job was a just man and he did right in the eyes of God. However, when Satan desired to test his faith, God allowed it. Satan took away his wealth, possessions, and children. But that was not the end of it. Satan also struck him with boils from head to toe. Job was sad, but he maintained his integrity and worshipped God. Even through this painful time of suffering, he did not blame or curse God. Instead, he endured it. God gave him a wonderful and blessed ending. He had twice of the wealth he lost. In summary, God does things for a good purpose (Romans 8:28). When heartbreaking situations come in life, we should not doubt God’s goodness, but keep trusting Him to find strength to overcome our trials.

Day 2 Morning Lesson: Joy in Service (Text: John 13:3-15)
I learnt that as Christians, we must serve God with humility, obedience, and joy (Colossians 3:23)! We must serve God wholeheartedly, with reverence, not to please men, but to please God. We must also serve Him with much gladness, knowing that we are saved to serve (Psalm 100:1-3). Jesus used Himself as an example. He was the Son of God, but He showed great humility when He came down to earth to die for us. In John 13:5, Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, and He was joyful! We must serve God happily and faithfully because He has saved us. Jesus can help us to serve God with a joyful spirit amidst problems.

Day 2 Afternoon Lesson: Jeremiah Overcame Sadness (Text: Book of Jeremiah)
I learnt to overcome sadness from the life of Jeremiah. He was appointed by God to declare God’s judgment against God’s people. When the prophet Jeremiah knew that, he was sad and afraid, but God comforted him and told him that He would be with him. After Jeremiah declared God’s Word to the people, false pastors, priests, prophets, and even to the king, he was hated and many people wanted to kill him. They placed Jeremiah in a deep dungeon, which contained no water. Jeremiah was very dejected and it looked like there was no hope for him (cf. Jeremiah 38:7-10). But God delivered him out of the dungeon. In summary, I learnt that we must cast all our cares on God, for He cares for us (1 Peter 5:7). We must always turn to God when we go through times of sadness.

Day 3 Morning Lesson: Joy in Suffering (Text: Philippians 4:4-8)
I learnt that we must rejoice in the LORD always. The Book of Philippians is one of Paul’s prison epistles. He was in prison, and yet he told the Christians in Philippi to rejoice in the LORD always! He wrote this letter to the church because he wanted to comfort the Christians in persecution, and to rebuke strife and disunity. In Philippians 4:4, he commands us to rejoice habitually (being glad and cheerful). Joy gives us spiritual strength. We should also rejoice because Jesus is coming again which gives us hope and comfort (Philippians 4:5b). Studying God’s Word also brings us joy. As 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 tells us, Paul had gone through deep suffering. Yet, he urged Christians to rejoice in the LORD. In 2 Corinthians 12:9-10, Paul mentioned that he was suffering from a disease. But he said, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.” In summary, we should always rejoice in the LORD, whether in good or in bad times.

Day 3 Afternoon Lesson: Jesus Overcame Sadness (Text: Mark 3:1-5)
I learnt that we should not be arrogant, refusing to do the right thing, despite knowing that we are supposed to do it. The cause of Jesus’ sadness is because of the hardness of the people’s hearts. When Jesus entered into the synagogue, He saw a man with an injured hand, but the people standing beside the man did not help him. Jesus was “grieved for the hardness of their hearts”. He was saddened by the people’s refusal to do good on the Sabbath. He asked them, “Is it lawful to do good on the sabbath days, or to do evil? to save life, or to kill?”, but the people kept silent and they did not bother. He was sad, but He overcame the sadness by healing the man and doing that which was good. In conclusion, I learnt that we can only be joyful when we do the right thing in God’s sight. Sin brings sadness, but obedient faith brings happiness. 

God has provided us, through His Word, many real examples of God’s people being joyful despite their troubling circumstances. We too must take a leaf out of these saints’ lives – Christians have no excuse to be depressed. I pray that I will keep God’s Word in my heart as I navigate through my own health issue. May God’s name be magnified by the way I respond to life challenges.

Ruhamah Resuma
“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him” (Psalm 34:8).

Firstly, I thank God that I could attend this year’s DVBS, on the theme: “Joy Unspeakable”.

Secondly, I thank God for Teacher Jonathan Hendricks who taught the primary class in the morning sessions on the main theme, and for Pr Ho Kee How, Pr Jeremiah and Pr Kelvin who taught on the topic, “Overcoming Sadness”, from the lives of Job, Jeremiah and Jesus respectively. 

On the first day, I learned about “Joy in Salvation” from two parables (the “Lost Coin” and the “Lost Sheep”), that how even the angels rejoice when a sinner repents. On the topic “Overcoming Sadness”, I learned from Pr Ho through the life of Job, how God allowed Satan to take away his children and possessions, smite him with a skin disease (which eventually resulted in his wife telling him to curse God and die), so as to try and test his faith in his God. But Job endured all the sufferings and kept strong in his faith. As a result, God blessed him with twice as much as he had before. We too should be like Job, enduring the tests that come our way. “Blessed is the man that endureth temptation” (James 1:12a). 

On the second day, I learned about “Joy in Service”. I learned how Jesus, though He was God, humbled Himself to be a man and washed the feet of His own disciples. We, being His followers, must follow His example. Christians should not be lazy or proud, but always be humble and ready to do God’s will. The Bible says, “And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Romans 10:15). In the afternoon, I learned from Pr Jeremiah about how the prophet Jeremiah endured much suffering because he preached against sin. I learned that Christian victory rests on Christ alone – “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

On the third and last day, I learned about “Joy in Suffering”. Even though Paul has suffered much, he was joyful even in prison, because he was serving the Lord. He encouraged the Philippian believers to rejoice – “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

And the last lesson in this year’s DVBS was taught by Pr Kelvin. I learned about the life of Jesus and about how on one Sabbath, Jesus saw a man with a withered hand and was angered and saddened because the Pharisees did not want to help the man. Instead, they waited to accuse Jesus for healing on the Sabbath. Jesus overcame His sadness by doing the right thing. “Not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42b). The cause of sadness is sin, but the source of true happiness is Jesus, “whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

Thirdly, I thank God for the teachers, singspiration leaders, activity leaders, the art and craft team, the refreshments team, and all others who helped make this year’s DVBS a blessed and fruitful programme for us children.

Lastly, I thank God for all the children who attended from Gethsemane BPC and from other churches, and even those who were invited by our church members. All glory, honour and praise be to God.

Reuel Resuma
“Whom having not seen, ye love; in whom, though now ye see him not, yet believing, ye rejoice with joy unspeakable and full of glory” (1 Peter 1:8).

This year’s DVBS, being my last, was very special to me. I have been attending DVBS with my brother since I was 3 years old, and I thank God for Pastor and all the teachers, preachers, aunties, and uncles who faithfully served in the DVBS. “Train up a child in the way he should go: and when he is old, he will not depart from it” (Proverbs 22:6).

The theme of this year’s DVBS was “Joy Unspeakable”. In the morning sessions, Teacher Jonathan Hendricks taught us from this theme, and in the afternoon, Pr Ho Kee How, Pr Jeremiah and Pr Kelvin taught us on the topic, “Overcoming Sadness”, from the lives of Job, Jeremiah, and Jesus. 

Teacher Jonathan taught us three important things: “Joy in Salvation”, “Joy in Service”, and “Joy in Suffering.” On the first day, I learned from about the parables of the “Lost Sheep” and the “Lost Coin” (Luke 15:1-10), which talk about how the angels in heaven rejoice over one sinner who repents. “Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth” (Luke 15:10).

On the second day, I learned that Christians should joyfully serve God and not to allow themselves to be sluggish and lazy. “Serve the LORD with gladness: come before his presence with singing” (Psalm 100:2).

On the last day of the morning session, I learned from the experience of the apostle Paul that even though he was harshly persecuted and put in prison, he joyfully served God and even encouraged the Philippian Christians to rejoice in the Lord! “Rejoice in the Lord alway: and again I say, Rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).

In the afternoon sessions, I learned from Pr Kee How on the first day that even when Job lost everything and was afflicted with a skin disease, he never gave up his integrity and believed in God’s promises. In the end, God blessed Job. “So the LORD blessed the latter end of Job more than his beginning” (Job 42:12a).

On the second day, Pr Jeremiah taught us that the prophet Jeremiah was prepared and ordained by God for the ministry. He faithfully preached God’s Word to the Jews, which resulted in persecution from the unbelievers. He was whipped, and thrown into a dry well and was left to die. But God sent Ebed-melech to plea to the king to save Jeremiah’s life, and he was pulled out from the pit. Even in persecution, and sorrow, Jeremiah never doubted God’s promises, and fully trusted in God – “casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you” (1 Peter 5:7).

On the last day, Pr Kelvin talked to us about Jesus’ ministry. Jesus entered the synagogue on the Sabbath day, and was angered and saddened when no one helped a man with a withered hand, because of the hardness of their hearts. Seeing this, He rebuked them, and healed the man. Sin brings sadness, but faith brings true happiness and joy. When a person sins, he will face the consequences of his sin, and he will be sad. But when he repents and believes in Jesus, he will have joy. “The king shall joy in thy strength, O LORD; and in thy salvation how greatly shall he rejoice!” (Psalm 21:1).

Finally, I want to thank God for all those who led in singing, art and craft, and games. I also thank God for those who helped prepare the food for the children. I thank God for all the children who attended, including familiar friends from our church, and new ones from other churches, as well as those who were brought by their friends.

“Giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ” (Ephesians 5:20). All glory be to God!