Recent Posts

2 Thessalonians 1:10—“When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day.” 

Paul has been comforting believers who endure persecution. The Lord Jesus will be revealed from heaven, bringing righteous judgment on those who reject the gospel and rest to His afflicted people (vv. 6–9). Now Paul turns our attention to what that day will mean for believers: Christ will be glorified and admired among them.

At His coming, the saints will marvel at Christ’s glory. They will behold the Saviour in whom they have trusted, while His completed work in them will testify to His grace. The One they now know by faith they will then see face to face. What they now confess by faith will then be seen in His presence.

Paul adds, “because our testimony among you was believed”. The Thessalonians believed the apostles’ testimony and accepted the Christ they proclaimed. Despite opposition, they continued to trust Him.

This hope gives perspective on present suffering. The disapproval of those who reject Christ will seem small beside the joy of beholding Him in His glory. 

It also asks each reader a personal question: Have you believed the testimony about Jesus Christ? Future admiration of Him begins with receiving the gospel now.

Believer, when opposition wears you down, remember the promised day. Keep trusting the Lord, whose glory will be revealed, and let your life now honour the One you long to behold.

With deep sadness, we share that Gethsemane Children’s Ministry in Alem Gena, Ethiopia, has been shut down after authorities enforced compliance with their required syllabus and regulations. For more than a decade, we hosted about a hundred children brought by their parents every day (Monday–Friday), many of whom were poor and deeply appreciative of this ministry. Pastor Ephrem Chiracho and his co-labourers grieve this loss of opportunity to teach the children God’s Word and minister to them with Christian love. (A report of these events is published in today’s bulletin.)

Our mission partners in parts of China and India continue to face government and societal pressure to curb their ministries and close their churches. A recent report from India says, “Tough anti-conversion law kicks in this week, Mumbai pastors ask churchgoers to sign form [that] they are praying of their ‘free will’”.

Apostle Paul’s words in Acts 20:19 remind us that faithful service may involve painful trials and tears. “Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews.” These words describe the spirit in which he laboured and the hardships he endured.

The phrase, “Serving the Lord”, identifies who Paul’s true Master is and the purpose of his ministry. Though his ministry benefited people, his allegiance was to Christ. He therefore would not shape his message to win man’s approval neither compromise the Gospel truths. He faithfully declared what his hearers needed, including “repentance toward God, and faith toward our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 21).

“With all humility of mind” describes his inward disposition. As an apostle of Jesus Christ, Paul knew that he must put on the humility of Christ. Humility enabled him to labour among others without making himself the centre of his ministry. With humility, Paul willingly accepted discomfort, ridicule, and persecution. 

His service involved “many tears”. He also recalled warning everyone “night and day with tears” (v. 31). His teaching carried earnest concern for their spiritual welfare. He proclaimed the truth with pastoral affection while enduring afflictions. “Temptations” here refers to trials, including the plots of Jewish opponents. Paul’s humility and compassion did not shield him from hostility. Yet opposition did not turn him from his calling.

These words call us to examine our service for our Saviour and Lord. Do we serve for Christ’s glory in submission to His commands? Are we accepting and enduring troubles that come as we care deeply for the souls? Faithful ministry requires steadfast obedience when difficulties arise. Let us ask the Lord for grace to serve with humility, tenderness, and endurance.

As we hear of this sad development in our mission field, let us humbly uphold those who have laboured, pray for the children and their families, and ask the Lord to open more doors for His Word. Though this ministry’s work must cease, “the word of God is not bound” (2 Timothy 2:9). May we therefore remain “patient in tribulation; continuing instant in prayer” (Romans 12:12), trusting the Lord to guide His servants in the days ahead.

A Sad Report from Pastor Ephrem (Ethiopia)

Dear Pastor Koshy, 

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

“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).

We are very thankful to God for all His mercy, goodness and faithfulness towards His servants in Ethiopia. The LORD has been gracious to us as we have been labouring in His vineyards. We are also heartily thankful for all the prayers, visits, and sacrificial support that God’s work and His servants have received from Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore. May the Almighty God richly bless our leaders and all the brethren in Gethsemane!

Recently, government agents from the Oromia Education Bureau visited Gethsemane Children’s Ministry (GCM) in Alem Gena. Although they greatly appreciated our work supporting the needy by offering free education in a morally upright and disciplined church environment, they asked us to comply with the MOE requirements.

This compliance means we need to register GCM as a charitable school, adopt the government’s curriculum, segregate the space used for teaching children (including the playground, toilets, classrooms, etc.) using a barbed-wire fence, and prepare separate office, staff, Montessori, and first-aid rooms for GCM. We are told that this is the standard set by the Federal Ministry of Education, and the Oromia Education Bureau is required to enforce it in our case.

We went to the Oromia Education Bureau and discussed with the officer the possibility of a special privilege that would exempt our church from these requirements. However, the office is not willing to allow us to continue in the Gethsemane Children’s Ministry format. Furthermore, the office insisted that it cannot allow our church to continue its teaching and learning work unless we register with the Oromia Education Bureau and comply with the conditions it has stated.

Because of this difficult situation, we had no choice but to stop the teaching and learning ministry in GCM. Our church is greatly troubled by the whole situation. We are very sorry to share this sad news. This is one of the saddest things that has happened to our work here in Ethiopia.

When we called those poor parents who have been receiving free education at our GCM and informed them of the temporary cessation of this teaching ministry, they responded with tears. However, we could not help them since we could not go against the rules of the land. So, we wrote supporting letters for the parents, and they took their children to various schools.

Yet our leadership prayed over this situation to see if there was a chance to bring those children back to our church to learn God’s Word. We decided to call parents willing to send their children to Gethsemane on Saturdays so they can continue learning the Gospel. Some parents responded positively.

And last Saturday, we received 18 children who came and studied God’s Word, even though it was a holiday in Ethiopia. We hope to receive more children the following Saturday, as we continue to teach them the saving Gospel of Jesus Christ through a series of messages from the Gospel of John.

We have also realigned a few of our full-time GCM teachers to other areas of church ministry. It was a difficult time, but the LORD has been merciful to us through all our difficulties. “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).

Please continue to pray for God’s work here in Ethiopia.  

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Ephrem Chiracho, on behalf of Gethsemane B-P Church of Ethiopia

Sermon Text: Job 3:1–11
Speaker: Preacher Jeremiah Sim
Date: 4th October 2026

2 Thessalonians 1:7—“And to you who are troubled rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with his mighty angels”.

The Thessalonian believers were enduring persecution. Paul did not promise that it would end immediately. He directed their hope to the day when the Lord Jesus would be revealed from heaven.

In verse 6, Paul says that God will repay those who trouble His people. Verse 7 presents the other side of His righteous judgment: He will grant rest to those who are troubled. The words “with us” are tender. Paul and his companions looked forward to that rest alongside the Thessalonians. They belonged to the same Lord and shared the same hope.

Jesus will not remain hidden from the world. He will be revealed, “with his mighty angels”. His coming will demonstrate the authority that His persecuted people already confess by faith. The injustice they endure will not have the final word; the Lord Himself will judge justly.

This promise does not prevent us from seeking relief now. We should help those who suffer and pray for their deliverance. Yet our deepest hope cannot rest on present circumstances changing as we wish. It rests on Christ’s return.

If you are weary from opposition for His sake, bring your distress to Him and ask for strength to remain faithful. If another believer is troubled, stand beside that person as Paul stood beside the Thessalonians. Let the certainty of Christ’s coming sustain your patience and entrust both your longing for rest and your desire for justice to Him.

2 Thessalonians 1:4—“So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure.” 

Paul had just thanked God because the Thessalonians’ faith was growing and their love for one another was increasing (v. 3). Now he tells them that he speaks to other churches about their endurance. He is not encouraging pride in their strength. Their steadfastness gives him reason to praise God’s work among them.

The Thessalonians faced “persecutions and tribulations”. These were real pressures, not minor inconveniences. Yet Paul observed their “patience and faith”. Patience here means endurance: they held fast rather than giving up. Faith is their continuing trust in the Lord. Though their troubles continued, they held fast to the Lord.

Paul’s words challenge the notion that a faithful Christian will always be spared hardship. In the verses that follow, he assures the Thessalonians that God sees their affliction and will judge righteously (vv. 5–7). They did not need to secure justice by abandoning their faith or taking revenge.

Are you weary of doing what is right amid opposition? Tell the Lord of your distress and ask Him for strength to persevere. Stay close to fellow believers who can pray with you and help you bear your burdens. And when you see another Christian enduring faithfully, encourage him and thank God for His sustaining grace.

The Thessalonians’ witness was not that suffering was easy. It was that the Lord upheld them as they endured it. The same Lord calls His people to trust Him through every trial.

2 Thessalonians 1:3—“We are bound to thank God always for you, brethren, as it is meet, because that your faith groweth exceedingly, and the charity of every one of you all toward each other aboundeth.”

Paul had prayed that the Thessalonians would grow in faith and love (1 Thessalonians 3:12; 5:8). Now he thanks God because that growth is evident. His gratitude is not a mere compliment. He says it is meet, right and fitting to give God thanks for what God is doing among His people.

Their faith “groweth exceedingly”. This does not mean they no longer faced difficulties or had no questions. In the next verse, Paul speaks of the persecutions and tribulations they endured. Their faith grew as they continued to trust the Lord under pressure.

Their “charity”, or love, was also increasing. Paul speaks of “every one” loving “each other”. The church’s growth was evident in how its members cared for one another, especially when suffering might have drawn them inward. Faith in God and love for His people went together.

These words invite us to examine our own lives. Are we learning to rely more steadily on the Lord? Is our care extending beyond those we find easy to love? Growth may manifest in patient service, a timely visit, practical help, or a willingness to forgive.

When you see such grace in a fellow believer, thank God for it and encourage that person. When you recognise your need to grow, ask the Lord to strengthen your faith and enlarge your love. The God whom Paul thanked is still at work among His people.

Ecclesiastes 5:2—“Be not rash with thy mouth, and let not thine heart be hasty to utter anything before God: for God is in heaven, and thou upon earth: therefore let thy words be few.” 

Solomon has just urged worshippers to draw near to God’s house ready “to hear” (v. 1). Now he warns against speaking hastily before God. A hurried promise, a careless prayer, or confident words about matters we scarcely understand may show that we have failed to consider whom we are addressing.

“For God is in heaven, and thou upon earth”. The Creator knows all things; we are limited and dependent. This difference calls for reverence and humility. It does not mean that God is too distant to hear us. It means that we must not approach Him as though our words were as wise and weighty as His.

“Let thy words be few” does not forbid earnest or lengthy prayer. Scripture records prayers that pour out grief and need before the Lord. Solomon warns against thoughtless speech, especially promises we do not intend to keep. The following verses press this point: if we make a vow to God, we must not delay fulfilling it (vv. 4–5).

Before worship or prayer, pause to hear God’s Word. Speak truthfully about your needs, confess your sins, and give thanks for His mercies. If you have made a promise to Him, take it seriously. When you do not know what He is doing, admit the limits of your knowledge.

The Lord invites us to pray, but His invitation is never a reason for carelessness. Let our words arise from hearts that listen to Him and fear His name.

Ecclesiastes 5:1—“Keep thy foot when thou goest to the house of God, and be more ready to hear, than to give the sacrifice of fools: for they consider not that they do evil.”

Solomon here turns his attention to those who enter God’s house. “Keep thy foot” calls for care in how they approach Him. An Israelite might bring a sacrifice and appear devout, yet fail to listen to God’s commands. Such an offering was “the sacrifice of fools”: an act of worship emptied of obedience.

The danger is particularly serious because these worshippers “consider not that they do evil”. They may assume that appearing at God’s house is enough. Yet the Lord sees not only their offerings but also their hearts. Being “ready to hear” means more than staying quiet while Scripture is read. It means receiving God’s Word with a willingness to believe and obey it.

Christians do not bring animal sacrifices to church; Christ has offered Himself once for sins (Hebrews 10:12). Nevertheless, Solomon’s warning still calls us to examine our worship. We may attend a service, sing, and pray while refusing to heed a command that challenges us. Outward participation cannot take the place of a listening heart.

Before gathering for worship, ask God to make you attentive to His Word. When it exposes sin, confess it. When it issues a command, seek grace to obey. When it declares His promises, receive them in faith.

Let us approach the Lord reverently, grateful that He speaks to His people. The fitting response to His Word is not merely to hear its sound, but to take it to heart.

Ecclesiastes 4:9–10—“Two are better than one; because they have a good reward for their labour. For if they fall, the one will lift up his fellow.”

Just before these verses, Solomon describes a man who labours without end yet has no one to share his gains with (vv. 7–8). His lonely labour leaves him asking, “For whom do I labour?” Solomon’s answer is that companionship makes work more fruitful and offers help when trouble comes.

The image of a person falling may bring to mind two travellers on a difficult road. If one stumbles, the other can lift him up. But the lesson extends beyond a journey. Illness, grief, discouragement, and spiritual weakness may leave any of us needing another person’s support. “Woe to him that is alone”, says Solomon, because no companion is there to help him rise.

These verses are often read at weddings, and rightly so, but their wisdom also applies to friendship, family, and the fellowship of the church. God has made us to give and receive care. Needing help is no cause for shame; refusing to notice another’s need is a cause for concern.

Is there someone you could encourage or assist this week? Perhaps you can listen patiently, share a burden, pray with a struggling believer, or help with a necessary task. And if you are the one who has fallen, let a trusted brother or sister know.

Thank God for faithful companions. Seek to be one yourself, remembering that our care for one another is a gift from the Lord.

Ecclesiastes 3:11—“He hath made every thing beautiful in his time: also he hath set the world in their heart, so that no man can find out the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end.”

Ecclesiastes 3 begins by declaring that there is “a time to every purpose under the heaven” (v. 1). Birth and death, planting and uprooting, weeping and laughing all have their appointed times. We do not choose or fully understand them. Yet Solomon says that God has made everything “beautiful in his time.” God orders every event wisely, even when we cannot see how it fits within His whole purpose.

The phrase “he hath set the world in their heart” speaks of our awareness of time beyond the present moment. God has also placed in our hearts a longing to see beyond the present moment. We want to know where our lives are going and how their many events fit together. But we cannot trace “the work that God maketh from the beginning to the end”. Our desire to understand exceeds our ability. We see only a small part of what He is doing.

This is especially hard when the appointed time brings loss or waiting. We must not call suffering pleasant or pretend to know why God has permitted a particular sorrow. Instead, we may bring our questions to Him while trusting God's wisdom, which we cannot yet see.

The next verses call us to receive the good God gives and to fear Him (vv. 12–14). Today, give thanks for His present mercies and faithfully do what lies before you. You need not understand His work from beginning to end to entrust your days to His hands.