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READ:

John 6:48

⁴⁸ I am that bread of life.

EXHORTATION:

At the beginning of this sixth chapter of John, we read about Jesus’ miraculous feeding of a large crowd of five thousand men (besides women and children) with only five barley loaves and two small fishes. When some of the people who were fed by Jesus looked for Him the next day, and found Him in Capernaum on the other side of the Sea of Galilee, Jesus told them pointedly, “Verily, verily, I say unto you, Ye seek me, not because ye saw the miracles, but because ye did eat of the loaves, and were filled” (v. 26). Jesus further admonished them, “Labour not for the meat (food) which perisheth, but for that meat (food) which endureth unto everlasting life, which the Son of man shall give unto you: for him hath God the Father sealed” (v. 27). Thus Jesus alerted them to their greater need of seeking the spiritual food that will supply them with eternal life and pointed to Himself as the One who can give just that.

However, the Jews scoffed at Christ’s claim by arguing that He could not measure up to Moses who had given their fathers manna from heaven (vv. 30-31). To which Jesus replied that it was not Moses but God who gave them the manna from heaven (v. 32). He then declared to them that He is the true bread that God has provided for eternal life. In verse 33, He said, “For the bread of God is he which cometh down from heaven, and giveth life unto the world.” To which they clamoured, “Lord, evermore give us this bread” (v. 34). Jesus then asserted, “I am the bread of life: he that cometh to me shall never hunger; and he that believeth on me shall never thirst.” The fact that He is the bread that God has provided for man to receive eternal life was reiterated by Christ no less than 6 times in this chapter of John (vv. 35, 41, 48, 50, 51, 58)!

“Bread” refers to the food necessary to satisfy our hunger, and to nourish and strengthen our bodies. We cannot live without food. No one, whether rich or poor, can live without it.

So it is with Christ. Without Christ, our souls will be starved to eternal peril! Without Christ, the craving and emptiness of our souls can never be satisfied. He alone can supply eternal life that will fully satiate the yearning of our sin-plagued souls. We feed on Him by believing in Him as God’s gift for our salvation and spiritual blessings. If we keep on believing in Christ, our souls shall be fed with the glories of eternal life.

READ:

John 3:17

¹⁷ For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.

EXHORTATION:

The purpose of God in sending His Son into the world was not to condemn or judge the world, though the world was lost in sin. Even after God had judged the world through the universal flood of Noah’s time, people continued to walk in sin. The sins of the rebellious world had been growing and had reached an appalling situation by the time Christ was here on earth. From time to time, God’s prophets were sent to warn Israel to repent and turn to God. They were also chastised, sometimes severely for many years, that they might repent. However, even Israel continued to defy God with their deeds. John the Baptist’s message to the people revealed how rotten and ripe the world was for God’s judgment, for he said, “And now also the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: therefore every tree which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Matthew 3:10).

When the Son of God was here on earth, the world was hostile to Him. Most people were unrepentant when He rebuked their sins. They were antagonistic towards Him and sought to kill Him. Condemnation of a world that would hate the Son of God would be most fitting. The world that rejected and killed the prophets whom God had earlier sent to call unto repentance, the world that subsequently ridiculed and taunted the Son of God who condescended to this world, was certainly deserving of divine judgment! Jesus Himself had repeatedly reminded the Jews of the inexcusable nature of their actions. Once He said, “Woe unto you! for ye build the sepulchres of the prophets, and your fathers killed them … Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles, and some of them they shall slay and persecute: That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation” (Luke 11:47-49).

Notwithstanding the world’s open rebellion against God, the mercy and love of God was manifested through the sending of His Son into this world. Christ came that the world might be saved through Him. If He did not come to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29), the world would never have a Saviour. Let us believe on Christ, the only divine Saviour who came from heaven to this world, that we may be saved from the coming judgment of the world.

READ:

John 10:28

²⁸ And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.

EXHORTATION:

What is eternal life? It refers to being saved from sin and from God’s judgment, and then living now and forever in the spiritual blessings that the eternal God has prepared for us. It denotes the life that one can live in relationship with God. It not only speaks of the life with God in heaven after death, but also of life now as we live here on earth with God.

However, man cannot obtain eternal life on his own. His natural birth into a family, even though his parents are Christians, does not guarantee eternal life. Neither can he merit eternal life by his own works, as he has sinned and come short of the glory of God. The Bible says in Romans 3:23, “All have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. It also tells us that “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23). So man, by virtue of his sin, has inherited death and not life. “Death” refers to the eternal separation from God because of sin, ultimately resulting in God’s judgment in hell, which the Bible calls “second death”.

Nevertheless, in today’s verse for our devotion, Jesus says, “And I give unto them eternal life”. Eternal life is a gift from the Lord Jesus Christ. All who come to Jesus Christ upon hearing His voice calling them, and follow Him by faith, like a sheep going after its shepherd, will have eternal life.

Moreover, the Lord Jesus promises that “they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” This is one of the clearest statements in the Bible that one who believes in Jesus for salvation will never be lost. The phrase, “they shall never perish”, is a strong affirmation in the Greek text; it can also be translated literally as “they will indeed not ever perish”!

Christians may sin and stumble, but Jesus, the perfect Shepherd, will sanctify and secure them. Like a sheep that is too frail to defend itself and find its way to safety, a Christian on his own cannot ensure his eternal life. The security of the sheep is found in the ability of the Shepherd to defend and preserve His flock. The enemy and the adversities will be too strong for His sheep to overcome on their own. But Jesus says, “neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand.” No one, not even Satan, can snatch His sheep out of His hand. We are eternally secured in the hands of the Lord Jesus Christ. Praise be unto the Lord, our great Shepherd!

Sermon Text: Genesis 17:7
Speaker: Rev. Sujith Samuel
Date: 1st June 2025

A New BWTV Teaching Segment

Bible Witness TV will air a new series of teachings entitled, “Old Age in God’s Design”, on its main channel. In this series, the biblical truths about ageing will be expounded. 

We live in a world that often idolises youth and fears ageing. However, the Bible presents old age as a phase characterised by both decline and dignity. While the Bible speaks of old age realistically, it also encourages respect for the elderly. 

With the passing of the years and the weakening of the body, the mind also becomes sluggish. As Scripture declares, the outward man withers! There’s a tendency to believe that our best is now behind us, that we are no longer useful to the Lord and His kingdom with the passing of the years. There are biblical expressions, such as “old and well stricken in age” (Gen. 18:11), which recognise the ravages of the years; and “full of years” (Gen. 25:8), which commemorate the gift of a well-lived life.

The psalmist declares in Psalm 92:14 that even in old age, the righteous shall still bring forth fruit. Far from becoming useless or irrelevant, they are described as “fat and flourishing” (i.e. full of sap), spiritually vigorous and fruitful in ways that glorify God.

The biblical promise of old age is precious. Far from being a time of only decline, old age is an opportunity for spiritual fruitfulness. God does not put aside His aged saints; instead, He employs them in powerful ways to bear testimony to His faithfulness, to teach and mentor, and to demonstrate His glory in lives shaped and refined after many years of His gracious working in their lives.

According to Scripture, God’s plan for old age can be a vibrant spiritual life even though physical abilities generally decline. Rather than waning, elderly Christians’ maturity and fruitfulness surpass their youth. 

In the weeks to come, we will examine various themes related to God’s plan, responsibility, testing, and blessing in old age. As I begin this new series, I pray that all of us will grow through the challenges and joys that ageing brings, by trusting in God’s plans and promises.

Expect Divine Blessings

A Call to Seek Spiritual Renewal in the Church Camp

Beloved congregation, as we approach the upcoming church camp, let us not treat this opportunity as just another event in this year’s calendar. Instead, let us see it as a gracious provision from God—a time set apart for spiritual refreshment, deeper fellowship, and renewed consecration to Christ. In the midst of our busy lives, God calls us to come aside and be still before Him, to sit under His Word, to pray together, to sing His praises and to strengthen the bonds of Christian love. Let us come with hearts prepared and full of expectation, believing that the Lord will meet with us, minister to us, and pour out His blessings in ways that will bear fruit long after the camp is over. May this be a season of rich encouragement and spiritual renewal for everyone who attends the church camp.

This year’s church camp brings together two vital and timely themes: “Stand Guard Against Last Days’ Deception” and “Churches and Missions”. In an age of increasing doctrinal confusion, compromise and ungodliness, God’s Holy Word calls us to remain vigilant, be firmly grounded in the truths of the Word, and be discerning of the subtle deceptions that mark the last days. At the same time, Scripture expects us to be committed to the church’s enduring mission—to proclaim Christ to the nations, making disciples by teaching the sound doctrines of God’s Word. These themes call us both to watchfulness and to witness: to guard our hearts and to go forth with Gospel purpose. May the Lord use this camp to awaken, equip, and strengthen us for those God-given responsibilities of His people in the last days.

“Take Heed, O Soul”

Church Camp Theme Song

Take heed, O soul, the Saviour cried,
Let truth, not lies, in you abide.
Deception spreads both far and wide;
Choose Christ alone, and none beside.

The serpent’s voice, so smooth and sly,
Deceived Eve’s heart with whispered lie.
So guard your mind with God’s Word near,
Lest Christ’s pure truth grow dim or drear.

Temptation glows with borrowed light
When evil masks as just and right,
But hearts held fast to Christ alone
Resist the lies the serpent sown.

No longer tossed by ev’ry breeze,
Nor fooled by words designed to please;
In Christ we grow, no more deceived,
But cling to truth once we believed.

Though falsehoods rise and scoffers sneer,
And many fall in crippling fear,
Your thoughts let Scripture still and guide,
Press on in faith, though you are tried.

READ:

John 10:27

²⁷ My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me.

EXHORTATION:

This is an emblematic description of the mutual relationship that exists between Christ and His genuine disciples. He described the relationship as that of a shepherd and his sheep. In these words, the Lord profoundly expresses His deep love and commitment to His people. He also assuredly speaks of His people’s commitment to Him.

The Lord calls them “My sheep”. Oh, how lovingly He regards His people as His own. He has taken ownership of them and unhesitatingly calls them “My sheep”. They were once like sheep that have gone astray, but now He has redeemed them by purchasing them with His own blood. He has earlier said that “I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:11). So with pleasure, He now assuredly speaks of them as “My sheep.”

He not only speaks of them as His sheep, but also asserts the relationship He maintains with them. He calls out to them and makes sure that they can hear His voice. He again unhesitatingly declares that “I know them”, and thus manifests His deep affection and care for them. He knows them personally. He is well aware of their struggles, fears and needs. He knows them thoroughly. So He stays by them and leads them forward. He will make sure that they know He is there ahead of them, so they can follow Him with certainty. He never forsakes them, but always guides them forward. Even in dark valleys, He guides them forward with His voice.

The Lord also depicted His people’s response to His loving guidance and care. He said, “My sheep hear my voice”. They do not turn a deaf hear to His calling. They love to hear His voice and are ever ready to respond to His command. They would not acknowledge other voices. Only His voice they will hear. Earlier, He said, “And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers” (John 10:5). They are very uncomfortable when other voices are heard, and quickly turn far away from them. They are not only unenthusiastic about other voices, but detest them utterly. They would only follow His voice. So the Lord said, “and they follow me”. They trust His voice and readily obey His commands. Wherever He leads, they follow.

Dear reader, turn your ears to Christ’s voice, and only to His voice. Do not follow other voices in this world. His sheep are only happy in His pasture.

READ:

Matthew 8:22

²² But Jesus said unto him, Follow me; and let the dead bury their dead.

EXHORTATION:

Jesus’ words were here spoken to a hesitant disciple, who requested that he be first permitted “to go and bury my father” (v. 21). He wanted to fulfil his obligation to his father first. We are not told whether his father had fallen very ill or just died. It appears that he was simply expressing his preference to be at home to look after his father till the latter’s death.

Though it is a commendable thing to be a filial son who cares for his parents, it cannot be a higher duty than following Christ and doing His will. No obligation in life is superior to following Jesus Christ our Lord. All other commitments have to be placed under our commitment to the Lord. Jesus has said on another occasion, “He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me” (Matthew 10:37).

True, many a time, we desire to pursue good things; it is not that we covet to do evil things. However, if we, in choosing to do a lesser thing, forgo a nobler thing (such as a divine call to duty), it would be a serious offence.

Do you say, “Let me settle all my household chores first before I pray and seek His will”? There are many who prefer the inferior matters of this life to the superior matters of Christ and eternity. They would say, “Let me take care of my business first before I dedicate myself to worship Him every Lord’s Day”, or “Let me secure sufficient funds for my children’s education before I give myself to the Lord’s work”, or “Let me first foster my friendships before I come for the fellowship meetings of the church”, or “Let me entertain my clients first, then I will try to learn His Word”, etc.

Such a constant habit of relegating the greater things of Christ and His kingdom in order to enjoy the lesser things of this world is totally obnoxious to the Lord. A man does not need to deny the existence of God, or reject the Gospel message, or throw away his Bible, or commit an awful wickedness to be an utter spiritual failure. The moment he chooses to do anything at the expense of God’s will, he has just cast away the most sublime and superior offer that has been extended to him.

Jesus’ stark warning to the hesitating disciple is most instructive: “let the spiritually dead be concerned about the dead, but you should follow Me always.” Let no one distract you from ardently following your Lord.

READ:

Matthew 4:19

¹⁹ And he saith unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

EXHORTATION:

This verse records the words which the Lord Jesus spoke to Andrew and Simon. What a glorious call Jesus extended to those fishermen of Galilee! He took great pleasure in those people who were at the lower strata of society and offered them what they could not have otherwise inherited. His words are full of invitation, incentives and promises. They are for the joyful contemplation and obedience of anyone, regardless of status.

Firstly, we notice that herein is a warm invitation from our gracious Lord. He gently beckons us, “Follow me”. He is sure of the way, for He Himself is “the way, the truth and the life” (John 14:6). What a great honour it is for us to receive an invitation from the Son of God to follow Him all the way to His glorious heavenly abode!

Secondly, He beckons us to accept His leading and demands total commitment from us. We cannot be half-hearted followers if we are to be partakers of the blessings unto which He is leading us. We must give Him our absolute allegiance. He makes no other demand here except that we faithfully follow Him.

Thirdly, He assures us that He will not fail to lead us. The words “Follow me” are very assuring, for they bespeak Christ’s role as our unfailing Leader. He is ready to lead us all the way. He does not give us any notion that at some point in our lives, He would desert us.

Fourthly, He gives us a personal promise, “I will make you fishers of men.” Simon and Andrew were only familiar with mending and casting nets. How could men, who had only been accustomed to boats, nets and fishes, be at home in preaching sermons? How could men of the sea become men of the Word? Nothing is impossible with the Son of God. Just as He promised, He used those fishermen of Galilee to conquer the souls of the rich and poor, the kings and peasants, the scholars and barbarians from around the world. We know, with hindsight from biblical and world history, that they became great soul-winners just as Jesus has promised.

Are you brought low by a sense of your own unworthiness? Do you feel that you can never be useful to lead men to Christ? Do not doubt any more. Accept His call. Follow Him and His will. Then His wisdom and power will transform you to be a soul-winner for His kingdom!

READ:

Matthew 10:38

³⁸ And he that taketh not his cross, and followeth after me, is not worthy of me.

EXHORTATION:

What is peculiar about the “cross” that every follower of Christ must bear? The cross was usually two rough wooden beams – one long and one short – joined together near the top of the long beam. It was an apparatus meant to inflict pain and death. Victims were forced to carry it to the place of their crucifixion. It placed on them not only a heavy burden, but also shame and disgrace. Thus the phrase “carrying the cross” has become a symbolic expression for shame, suffering and death one must endure.

Every follower of Christ has “his” own cross to bear. Christians must be prepared to endure whatever is burdensome, or trying, or considered as disgraceful, in order to be loyal and obedient followers of Christ.

Consecration to our Lord can mean giving up of our desires and pursuits to do His will. To some, it may be the giving up of certain pleasures, gains or advantages for Christ’s sake. To others, it could mean leaving familiar circumstances and people to go to far places in order to preach the Gospel.

Commitment to the Lord Jesus can also cause some to meet with opposition from family members, friends and even authorities. In such circumstances, the cross can mean endurance of reproach, loss of inheritance or possession, persecution and even death!

For others, it may involve the severance of friendships or relationships which are dishonouring to God. For Christ’s sake, Christians must be willing to be separated from every kind of ungodly human relationship.

Those who hesitate to suffer loss and shame would often turn away from Christ. There are wives who will not come to Christ for fear of separation from their unbelieving husbands, and vice versa. There are children who will not come to Christ for fear of their unbelieving fathers or mothers. Similarly, parents deny Christ for fear of their unbelieving children. People who value their family more than Christ will not take a stand for Him.

However, those who endure all kinds of losses and sufferings for Christ’s sake shall have Him to lead them. They will have the Lord to follow after, who will lead them all the way. Christ-followers are happy cross-bearers. They count everything as loss for the joy of gaining Christ for themselves.

READ:

Colossians 3:21

²¹ Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

EXHORTATION:

The advice given here for “fathers” is also for “mothers”, as the Greek word patēr is also translated as “parents” elsewhere in our English Bible (Hebrews 11:23). What is said here should be received by all who are parents.

All parents are commanded not to provoke their children lest they be discouraged. They should immediately refrain from any attitude, word or action that would cause irritation and emotional outburst. They must also be careful not to cause discouragement in the children. Parents must spend time daily with their children, instructing, teaching, correcting, encouraging and even entertaining them. They must make every effort to point children to Christ and His will.

The following unwise actions, which can cause severe provocation in children, should be carefully avoided by parents:

• Too much prohibition or overprotection. This will show up their little trust in their children and deprive the latter of liberty. It can lead to frustration and rebellion. So, give them the necessary freedom and encourage them to be responsible.
• Favouritism and unreasonable comparisons with other children. This can lead to unhappiness and disappointment. Do not condemn the child for not being like other children. Parents must accept every child as he is, and instruct him accordingly.
• Belittling children for their weaknesses. This will dishearten them.
• Being too difficult to please and over-exacting. This will also lead to provocation and disappointment in children. Parents must be mindful to avoid being critical all the time. Instead, make every effort to create a positive, even an uplifting and encouraging, environment.
• Being too quick to judge. This can result in false accusation and produce much displeasure in children. So, do not be hasty in rebuking children.
• Being violent with words and actions. This will cause children to feel oppressed and distressed. Sure, when the children err, they must be rebuked and corrected. The rod of correction may at times be necessary, yet it must be used with discretion and love (cf. Proverbs 13:24; 23:13, 14; 17:10). The rod must not be used to ventilate anger or to exact revenge.