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Today, I would like to publish the gist of the sermon I preached last Tuesday, during the 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving of TGCM and prayer meeting, to benefit all the worshippers in our church. In Matthew 5:14-16, as Jesus addressed “his disciples (who) came unto him” (cf. Matt. 5:1), He declared–“Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.”

This was Christ’s declaration concerning His dedicated followers that they are “the light of the world” (v. 14a). His point was that as He came to the world as the Light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5), His genuine followers will also act as His light in this world of darkness. Jesus came to give His light to those who “sat in darkness” and the “shadow of death” (cf. Matt 4:16; Luke 1:79). As the apostle Paul wrote in 2 Corinthians 4:6–“For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.” 

Christ, the eternal Light, illuminates us so that we may be His radiant “moons” in this dark world. Through those who have received His light, Christ desires to shine His Gospel light upon many more in this dark world. The apostle Paul echoes Christ’s will concerning all believers in Philippians 2:15-16a, “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world; holding forth the word of life …”. Christians are not meant to be quiet, reserved and secluded. Rather, they must actively demonstrate their belief and dedication to Christ. 

Christians are to be like a city that is set on a hill and cannot be hidden. Just as a city on a hill cannot be concealed from people’s view, no Christian can hope to live unnoticed. In encouraging believers to be beacons of God’s glorious light in a world shrouded by sin, Jesus is also cautioning them against isolation that hinders God’s glory. Jesus further emphasises this truth by noting that no one lights a candle, only to hide it under a bushel. A lit candle serves no purpose if kept out of sight; it should be placed on a candlestick to illuminate and benefit everyone. It is senseless to hide away a lit candle. A hidden candle benefits no one. 

Every follower of Jesus must conduct himself in a manner observable to others, so that others may see it and praise God for it. Every life illuminated by Christ will inevitably bear the fruit of good works. The light of Christ shining through Christians will manifest as visible acts of kindness and compassion, honesty and righteousness, fairness and goodness.

Brethren, let the radiance of your Christian benevolence draw the world to God’s splendour. Our good works are not to win praise for ourselves, but to turn people’s hearts to our great God, who has made us His children so that we may be beacons of His salvation, goodness, grace, and glory.

Report from Pangasinan

Report by Rev. Donald dela Cruz

We are currently continuing the construction of the worship hall. We are nearing completion of the walls, which will then fully close up the worship hall. God’s provision is just on time, so we will not get wet as we worship during the coming rainy season. Praise the Lord for the love gifts we received from the Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore, and the brethren during the Missionary Conference 2024. The sum we received is enough to construct the wall. After the walls are finished, we do not need to transfer our things, as the workers are all from the company of Dn Kyt. May the Lord help the workers as they diligently build the hall. As the Lord provides, our next target will be the toilet facility, and the way side pavement (which will be useful during the rainy season when the surrounding area becomes muddy).

 The Church Session has appointed Dn Jumar as the Clerk and Dn Kyt as the Treasurer. Dn Jumar will also be in charge of the Youth Ministry, while Dn Kyt will lead the Children’s Ministry. Both ministries will be under my direct supervision. Thank God for their willingness to serve in these ministries.

The school year has opened yesterday. The group we are affiliated with for the School Missions went yesterday to meet with the principal of Mangaldan National High School, in order to confirm the schedule for teaching God’s Word on their campus. The school is the biggest secondary school in the town, with more than 8,000 students on its enrolment. 

 The Lord has helped us through amidst the recent two typhoons. Though there was persistent rain for 8 days, the Lord has preserved the brethren, and there was no flooding in our area. Providentially, the Lord also stopped the rain (temporarily) last Sunday so that the brethren could come for worship. All praise be unto the Lord!

Sermon Text: Psalm 84
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 11th August 2024

READ:

Romans 12:13

¹³ Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.

EXHORTATION:

The apostle Paul gave this instruction to the Roman Christians while he was discussing the tribulation of God’s people. He told them how they should show their love towards the persecuted Christians.

Terrible persecution was unleashed by the Roman emperor Nero and his people against Christians. Many were driven out of their homes and stripped of their occupations, leaving them destitute and homeless. The unbelievers around them were reluctant to help the suffering Christians. With the number of helpless Christians on the rise, the urgent need for “relief” was all too obvious. Here in Romans 12:13, the apostle Paul called Christians’ attention to the plight of the needy saints. He exhorted them to provide two types of aid, namely finance and lodging.

Firstly, he exhorted them to take heed of “distributing to the necessity of saints”. The word “distribute” means to communicate or share or contribute. Paul encouraged those who had enough or more, to share their abundance with those who were in need. In 2 Corinthians 8:13-14, Paul gave this advice, “For I mean not that other men be eased, and ye burdened: but by an equality, that now at this time your abundance may be a supply for their want, that their abundance also may be a supply for your want: that there may be equality”. The instruction to Christians is that let those who are blessed with material goods relieve the needs of the poor and needy. In Galatians 6:10, Paul said, “As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.” Christians are divinely mandated to help those who are poor in the society, especially poor Christians.

Secondly, Paul advised Christians to give themselves to hospitality. Finding a good and safe place to stay was by no means easy at that time. Not only the homeless, but the travelling missionaries as well, were in need of lodging. So, Paul instructed Christians to become thoroughly involved in the business of supplying good lodging places. Scripture commands Christians to practise hospitality gladly, not grudgingly. 1 Peter 4:9 exhorts, “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Church leaders are expected to be hospitable persons (1 Timothy 3:2; Titus 1:8). Likewise, every believer should be hospitable. It is God’s will for every Christian to readily and cheerfully extend his help to needy Christians.

READ:

Romans 12:9b

^9b Abhor that which is evil; cleave to that which is good.

EXHORTATION:

Since we are commanded to love without dissimulation, should we love all and sundry indiscriminately? Does love demand that we need to accept all without discretion? Can a loving person refuse to receive another in view of sin, falsehood and non-repentance?

Most certainly! Concerning charity, Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 13:5-6 that it “doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth”. Clearly, Scripture teaches us that true love not only recognises the difference between truth and falsehood, good and evil, righteousness and sin, but it also clearly discriminates against and rejects those that are false, evil and sinful.

We are instructed to “Abhor that which is evil”. The word “abhor” means to hate, to turn from, or to avoid. The word “evil” here refers to malicious, ungodly belief and conduct. We must hate sin, no matter in what form it appears. Whether it is in thought or in action, be it trivial or great, personal or public, covert or overt, we must hate sin. No matter how sin may appear, we should not tolerate it.

It is not only unwise, but also incongruent with Christian charity, to even wish to accommodate sin. We are told to “Depart from evil, and do good” (Psalm 34:14). In Psalm 97:10, Scripture commands us, “Ye that love the LORD, hate evil”. Let us not condone sin in our thought, word or action. If we ever fall into sin, let us repent as soon as we realise the evil in our ways, and depart from it.

On the other hand, we are exhorted to “cleave to that which is good”. The word “cleave” denotes the act of attaching or uniting firmly to something or someone. It indicates active partaking and participation. We ought to adhere to all that God’s Word reveals as truth. We should love to cleave to all things that are good in the sight of God. We must relentlessly pursue truth and righteousness with increasing fondness. Steadfast, constant pursuit of truth and holiness must characterise every Christian. May our hearts and hands be always devoted to propagating His truth and doing His righteousness. Let us walk “in holiness and righteousness before him, all the days of our life” (Luke 1:75).

READ:

Romans 12:9a

^9a Let love be without dissimulation.

EXHORTATION:

The Bible frequently commands us to be sincere and genuine in our love for others, as it is commanded here (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:6; 1 Timothy 1:5; 1 Peter 1:22). “Dissimulation” means “hiding under a false appearance”. The words “without dissimulation” is translated from a Greek word anupókritos, which literally means “not hypocritical”. In our English Bible, this word has been translated as “unfeigned” (4 times), “without dissimulation” (once), and “without hypocrisy” (once). So, Paul is teaching us that our love for one another ought to be undisguised and sincere. It is the Christian’s duty not to fake love, but to love one another genuinely.

The Bible records many sad and treacherous expressions of hypocritical love, which serve as a warning to us. Psalm 55:21 warns us against those who hypocritically speak loving words: “The words of his mouth were smoother than butter, but war was in his heart: his words were softer than oil, yet were they drawn swords.” Proverbs 26:25 cautions us likewise: “When he speaketh fair, believe him not: for there are seven abominations in his heart.”

Sadly, hypocritical love has been found even among the followers of Christ. Judas is the archetype of all those who act with hypocritical love. When he betrayed the Lord Jesus, he sealed it with a kiss, the token of love. So, according to Luke 22:48, Jesus asked him, “Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?” Similarly, Ananias and Sapphira, who professed love and generosity towards the early church, were also exposed by the Holy Ghost as pretenders. The pretence of brotherly love, which is devoid of truthfulness and sincerity, is often the fruit of self-love.

Our hearts must be purged of self-aggrandisement and self-love so that we may love one another with sincerity. 1 Timothy 1:5 instructs us, “Now the end of the commandment is charity out of a pure heart, and of a good conscience, and of faith unfeigned”. Christians must love one another in a pure way out of a pure heart for the sake of Christ. Beware of play-acting when it comes to showing love for one another.

Hypocrisy (the epitome of ungodliness) and love (the chief of all good virtues) are diametrically opposite of each other. Anyone who acts in pretentious love will soon, by his own acts, manifest his malicious heart. May we love one another with unfeigned love.

READ:

1 Timothy 6:9a

^9a But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts.

EXHORTATION:

The original Greek phrase translated as “they that will be rich” refers to those who desire or wish to be rich. They are not contented with whatever God has given them. They are ambitious and determined to make more wealth. Their hearts and minds are set to be rich. They may not appear to be covetous and greedy. In reality, they will very likely come across as noble men who are industrious, determined and assiduous. However, they are driven by an irrepressible passion to be rich. Such would be noticed by the people of this world and be endued with great honour and praise for their achievements and wealth.

Yet God’s Word warns us that they who are driven by the accumulation of wealth will “fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts”. The path of material wealth is strewn with many pits of sinful temptations. When driven by an uncontrolled craving for wealth, they will suddenly fall into temptation. They will be led into snares of lust, like wild animals led into traps. Once trapped, they thrash themselves all over the place trying to break free from the traps. Their burning desire for achievements and prosperity makes them morally senseless, irrational, even animalistic in their conduct. They become victims of their own lusts.

With their unchecked passion for wealth comes hurtful and foolish conduct. Chasing money is not the way to happiness; it is the way to being trapped in sin and being a victim of one’s own lusts. A money-minded man will soon be a victim of his own ambitions. The love of money leads to sin and hurtful consequences. It leads to entrapment, it leads to irrational control by lust, and finally it brings upon him self inflicted harm and ruin.

A man driven by material success often pursues paths of life that a godly person would gladly abandon. Clearly, it is foolish and hurtful to spend one’s life solely for material success. Hebrews 13:5 advises us: “Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” Let us learn to be contented with what God has been pleased to give us, and be dedicated to live a life pursuing after the glorious purposes of God. So brethren, get rid of covetousness from your life before it ruins your soul!

READ:

Proverbs 29:25

²⁵ The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe.

EXHORTATION:

The fear of man mentioned here is not about the proper and necessary respect and submission that we should show towards human authorities, such as kings, governments, officers, teachers, parents, etc. Honouring those in authority is taught in the Bible. However, if they require us to act against our Biblical faith and principles, “we ought to obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).

The fear of man appears in various forms, namely, caring too much about what people think of us, fearing the loss of favour and friendship of men, fearing forfeiture of rights and privileges, fearing loss of honour and applause from people, fearing reproaches, reviling and persecution from people, as well as fearing afflictions and death that people could inflict.

God’s Word warns us that such fear of man can ensnare God’s people. It can lead men into great sins at times, holding them like a bird caught in a snare. It often compels many to give up their faith in the Lord, or to disobey God, or to participate in wicked deeds, violating their own conscience. Aaron, though a priest unto the LORD, yielded to the outcry of the people and made them a golden calf. Peter denied his Master for fear of a maid. Oh, how tragic it is to be ensnared by the fear of man!

The fear of man can also cause men to conduct themselves without dignity. Abraham, because of his fear of the Egyptian king, denied that Sarah was his wife; David (who ran from Saul), being “sore afraid of Achish the king of Gath”, behaved like a mad man before the latter. Some have failed to carry out their duties and given up their honour for fear of man. The fear of man also restrains men from being useful in God’s kingdom. Many dare not speak a word for Christ for fear of others. Some refuse to take responsibility or leadership in the church for fear of man and thereby waste their abilities and opportunities to become useful and fruitful in the Lord’s work. It reduces many to cowardly, shameful and foolish actions.

The most effective Scriptural antidote to the fear of man is to trust the LORD. The LORD is our safe refuge from the threats and intimidations of men. The LORD God is mightier than the whole world combined. Like Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, let us find courage through prayer to face a frowning, mocking, ridiculing or even raging mob.

READ:

Psalm 106:36

³⁶ And they served their idols: which were a snare unto them.

EXHORTATION:

When God brought the people of Israel to the Promised Land, they were specifically warned: “Observe thou that which I command thee this day: behold, I drive out before thee the Amorite, and the Canaanite, and the Hittite, and the Perizzite, and the Hivite, and the Jebusite. Take heed to thyself, lest thou make a covenant with the inhabitants of the land whither thou goest, lest it be for a snare in the midst of thee: But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: For thou shalt worship no other god: for the LORD, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God” (Exodus 34:11-14).

However, God’s Word says, “they served their idols”. Oh, what an incriminating verdict! Serving the idols of the inhabitants of the land had led them into many other abominable deeds connected to idol worship. Eating food offered to idols, building altars unto idols, sorcery, witchcraft, soothsaying, child sacrifices and all kinds of despicable carnal behaviour had been adopted by most Israelites. By their unashamed involvement in idolatrous practices, the people of Israel relentlessly provoked the LORD.

Their adulterated religion was an insult to the Most Holy God. He was dishonoured by their shameful hypocrisy. The LORD, the only living and true God, was reduced to the ranks of idols, which they had turned to worship. They had forgotten and despised all the blessings that the LORD promised in His covenant with them. He had been faithful to them and given them the land that He promised them. However, they callously walked away from Him to serve the idols of the heathen people!

To seek truth, blessing and protection in idolatry was a foolish journey into endless snares to their souls. The idolatry they sought after was “a snare unto them”. It was like the snare by which birds and animals were trapped. They did not perceive the danger of idolatry, simply because they ignored the warnings of God against worshipping idols.

Today, churches and Christians at large are much like the ancient Israel that went a whoring after the idols. Their chief idolatry is worldliness. Though the Scriptures warn Christians to “Love not the world” (1 John 2:15; cf. James 4:4), many unabashedly pursue materialism and the unchaste life of the unbelievers. O Christians, avoid the dangers of worldliness by fleeing from it. Separate from the world and adhere to your LORD.

Sermon Text: Psalm 83
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 4th August 2024

“Let the elders that rule well be counted worthy of double honour, especially they who labour in the word and doctrine” (1 Timothy 5:17).

This verse teaches us how we ought to regard the elders, who are the officers of the church. Elders are ordained by God to oversee or supervise the church. Acts 20:28 reminds the elders to “Take heed... to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers...” As “overseers” of the church, the elders must rule the church according to God’s Word. That is why in 1 Timothy 5:17, we find the expression, “the elders that rule well”.

The New Testament uses the Greek word presbuteroi for “elders”. The Presbyterian churches derive their name from this Greek word for elders. The name “Presbyterian” denotes that the church is ruled by elders appointed by God. It appears that the Bible expects every church to be ruled by more than one elder, as the word always appears in the plural in the New Testament concerning church leadership.

Generally, all elders are responsible for the church’s administrative matters. However, there are some elders whom God appoints to rule and teach God’s Word. These elders, as 1 Timothy 5:17 says, “labour in the word and doctrine”. They study the Word of God, and faithfully teach us its truths. Such spiritually gifted men, whom God has enabled to be elders who rule and teach, are called “pastors” (Ephesians 4:11). 

God wants us to count our pastors and elders, who carry out their duties faithfully and fervently, as “worthy of double honour”. They deserve all the church members’ respect, submission and esteem. So, be sure you are courteous towards your elders and obey their faithful, biblical counsels.

Respecting our elders and pastors goes beyond mere courtesy. It involves recognising their God-given authority, and acknowledging their diligence in leading the church. Elders who “labour in the word and doctrine” dedicate significant time and effort to studying and teaching Scripture, providing spiritual guidance, and ensuring that the church remains grounded in biblical truth. Their role is crucial for the spiritual health and growth of the congregation.

Supporting our pastors and elders is not just a suggestion; it’s a biblical mandate. It includes praying for them, offering encouragement, and providing practical assistance when needed. The Greek word used for “honour” can also denote financial support (cf. Matt. 27:6, 9; Acts 4:34; 1 Cor. 6:20). Its meaning aligns with the modern term “honorarium”, which denotes monetary compensation given as a token of respect. When we biblically honour and support the church pastors and elders, we not only encourage them to fulfil their calling and duty, but also contribute to the solemnity, joy, unity, health and progress of the church. 

The Word of God repeatedly calls on Christians to hold their leaders in high regard, recognising their significant role in the congregation’s spiritual growth and stability. We are to take this to heart, and act on it. Hebrews 13:7 exhorts us, “Remember them which have the rule over you, who have spoken unto you the word of God: whose faith follow, considering the end of their conversation.” This verse underscores the inseparable link between leadership and discipleship in Christ’s body. By recognising their role in teaching the Word of God and observing their faithful living, believers are encouraged to emulate their faith and support them in their ministry.

Hebrews 13:17 further reiterates, “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.” When church members are submissive and cooperative, leaders can serve the Lord in the congregation with joy rather than burden.

Defiance of Leadership

One of the most problematic situations in today’s congregations is the modern culture of individualism. Many people resist the idea of submitting to authority, viewing it as a personal infringement. Such modern mentality makes it difficult for people to discern biblical leadership and authority.

Christians need to distinguish between legitimate spiritual authority and abusive power. When church leaders insist on obedience to clear biblical teachings, this should not be seen as an abuse of power. Proper biblical authority is based on biblical principles and teachings, and it should be welcomed and obeyed. Church members must recognise the authority of church leadership as a stewardship, not a despotic rule (cf. Heb. 13:17). Church leaders will be held responsible for how they guide and nurture the flock of God, and for the spiritual condition of their flock. They will face divine judgment if they do not teach the truths of God with authority as church leaders. 

Just as it is incumbent upon leaders to teach the Scriptural principles with authority, it is binding on the church members to obey them. How can church leaders effectively govern and care for the congregation without their cooperation? Leaders can provide effective guidance only when their counsel is respected and obeyed.

Submission is not about blind obedience to the leaders. It is about acknowledging and submitting to the leadership’s biblical instructions and counsel. The proper biblical relationship between leaders and church members results from mutual respect and submission to the truths of Scripture.

In conclusion, every church member has a duty to honour our elders and pastors, especially those who excel in teaching and leading according to God’s Word. Let us commit to showing them “double honour” through our respect, support, and obedience to their godly guidance. In doing so, we not only fulfil a biblical mandate, but also strengthen the unity and effectiveness of our church ministries.

20 Years of God’s Faithfulness

To the praise and glory of His grace, we gather together to rejoice in the Lord for the twenty wonderful years of His faithfulness upon the church. As the chorus of the hymn that we love to sing reminds us, “Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy hand hath provided…” Indeed, our twenty years of existence and ministry is a testament of God’s unfailing care!

It was on July 4, 2004, when we first gathered together for worship in a rented hotel function room. We were so much younger then, both in faith and life, striving to grow and mature in our walk, service and witness for the Lord Jesus Christ. Thereafter, it pleased the Lord to bring more people to the church, causing them to hear and believe in the Gospel. Like newborn babes, many of us have grown, by the grace and mercies of God, to serve in various areas of the church ministry. Praise God for enabling us to serve together, “for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ” (Ephesians 4:12).

Not only has the Lord added unto the church such as should be saved and thereafter serve, He has also expanded the ministries of the church with the establishment of The Gethsemane Care Ministry (TGCM) in 2009 and the Gethsemane Bible Institute (GBI) in 2011. Praise God!

Then in 2020, at the height of the pandemic when we were not able to come together for worship, by God’s providence, we considered a viable option of gathering together via the internet – by way of “live streaming” our church meetings through the social media platform. And while I used to think about the “live streaming” as good only during the pandemic, little did I know that the Lord has opened a door of opportunity for us to proclaim the Gospel far and wide, reaching out to more people, including our relatives and friends, long after we have resumed the usual physical, in-person worship service. Furthermore, like-minded brethren in other parts of the country and the world were also able to continue to join us online. 

Today, we remember the Lord’s goodness right from the very beginning: we reflect on how the Lord has sustained and strengthened the church all these years; we rejoice in all that the Lord has done and is doing, in and through the church. Also, let us not forget to thank the Lord for Gethsemane BPC, Singapore, for their love and care, “even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (1 Thess. 2:7b), as well as for their prayers and support all these years. Likewise, our gratitude to the like-minded churches that have co-laboured with us and served as our missions partners. 

Coming together, may we echo the words of the psalmist: “I will extol thee, my God, O king; and I will bless thy name for ever and ever. Every day will I bless thee; and I will praise thy name for ever and ever. Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable. One generation shall praise thy works to another, and shall declare thy mighty acts. I will speak of the glorious honour of thy majesty, and of thy wondrous works. And men shall speak of the might of thy terrible acts: and I will declare thy greatness. They shall abundantly utter the memory of thy great goodness, and shall sing of thy righteousness. The LORD is gracious, and full of compassion; slow to anger, and of great mercy. The LORD is good to all: and his tender mercies are over all his works. All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee” (Psalm 145:1-10).

Moving forward, let us make that resolve to abide in Him, and remain faithful and true in our walk and service to our God!

Blessed 20th Anniversary!

Pastor Reggor Galarpe