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Rev. Reggor B. Galarpe

I praise and thank the Lord for the recently concluded 7th Missionary Conference of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church that was held in Malaysia from June 10-14, 2024. Having attended all the previous missionary conferences – the very first being held in Malaysia (2005), the second here in Cebu City (2007), the third in Ethiopia (2011), the fourth in Singapore (2014), the fifth in Kuching, East Malaysia (2017), and the sixth held “online” via Zoom at the height of the Covid pandemic (2021) – I praise and thank the Lord for the opportunity to join the seventh, together with my family!

As with the rest of the participants, especially the pastors and missionaries from different parts of the world, we returned home bringing with us abundant blessings – as we have been: 

1. Refreshed by the warm hospitality, love and generosity of our brethren in the “mother church” (GBPC, Singapore). From our arrival until our departure, there’s warm fellowship throughout! We have been well taken care of, both in body and soul, with the brethren opening their homes for us, as well as bringing us out for fellowship over meals. Our souls were further refreshed through the many opportunities to hear God’s Word at the conference meetings, as well as during the Lord’s Day services at Gethsemane BPC, Singapore.
2. Reunited with old friends and like-minded brethren. Indeed, it is just so wonderful to be able to meet and “catch up” with fellow labourers in the Lord’s vineyard, and also with brethren whom we’ve known and been friends for many years since the time I was still studying in FEBC. Moreover, we have the joy of meeting new “additions” to the ever-growing number of labourers in the harvest! I thank the Lord for our brethren from various parts of India whom we’ve met for the first time, and the opportunity to hear of their testimonies. Not to mention the privilege of taking part in the ordination of one preacher into the pastoral ministry.
3. Rejoicing in the Lord as we listened to reports and testimonies from missionaries. Evenings at the conference were spent in hearing mission reports, where we got to see how the Lord has worked in and through the missionaries from various mission fields. It is comforting to hear our “co-labourers” testifying how the Lord enabled them to overcome their respective challenges, and thus to press on with the work.
4. Renewed as we listened to and learned from God’s Word. I thank the Lord for the many opportunities to hear the preaching of God’s Word through the various speakers’ exposition on the theme: “Proclaimers of Faith Under Fire!” Thank God for the very appropriate theme as it gave us the opportunity to examine our own spiritual condition in relation to the ministry that the Lord has entrusted unto us. I have been greatly ministered to by the insights and applications that Pastor Koshy shared with us. Praise God!
5. (Last but not least) Recharged to be able to continue in the work of the ministry. To me, missionary conference is always a time to be re-charged, whereby you “rest awhile” from your daily routine and take some time to be fed and nourished in the Word, in prayer and in fellowship among the brethren. Yes, the assurance from God’s Word, the prayers of God’s people, and testimonies of God’s servants, are just so overwhelming that you will be “stirred” or “fired” up to continue in the work of the Lord.

By God’s grace, my family have returned and arrived safely home (as with the rest of the participants) – and yes, we have been greatly blessed! All praise and glory be unto God!

Elder Eliezer Ortega

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2).

All glory and praise be unto the Lord for the 7th Missionary Conference. It is a great blessing for me and my wife to join the conference. It was indeed a time of spiritual nourishment and outpouring of blessings, both physical and spiritual. 

The Lord be praised for using Pastor Koshy and various ministers of God’s Word to preach to us the respective theme messages. It was a great and blessed time of learning from God’s Word, which stirred our minds and hearts. It was a great opportunity for our spiritual learning and exercise. It has greatly strengthened my faith and love for Jesus. It has also renewed us to a joyful and zealous service for the Lord.

Praise the Lord for the respective missionaries’ reports. Thank God for how He prospers the work in different regions of the world, including our small churches in Bogo and San Antonio, which are part of God’s work in the saving of souls. The Lord’s strength and help in the different struggles and challenges of the missionaries and pastors have assured us of God’s timely help and sufficient grace for our own struggles and challenges.

I thank God also for the opportunity to meet and fellowship with old and new brethren. It was a blessed time of fellowship. Praise the Lord for the brethren who had taken good care of each and every missionary, through their hospitality and gifts. Thanks be unto God also for our hosts, who lovingly welcomed and cared for us in their home.

Thank God also for Pastor Koshy, the Board of Elders, and all those who have laboured hard for the 7th Missionary Conference. Praise be unto the Lord from whom all blessings flow. All glory be unto God!

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:97–107
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 30th June 2024

Amidst immense suffering, Job revealed a profound faith that transcends earthly tribulations when he said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job 19:25-27).

Job’s prolonged physical and emotional suffering was compounded by the harsh remarks of his friends. Their unkind and crude remarks did not help to alleviate Job’s distress. Earlier in this chapter, in verses 14 to 21, Job vividly described his dismal circumstances: “My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children’s sake of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.”

Amidst such overwhelming misery, which he recognised as permitted by God, Job’s spirit remained remarkably steadfast. Despite his profound anguish, Job’s confidence in God did not waver. He proclaimed with unwavering assurance, “For I know that my redeemer liveth”. Though he had no expectation of any human support, having been abandoned by even his closest kin and friends, Job was unwavering in his belief in a divine Redeemer who lives eternally. Earlier, he said, “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high” (Job 16:19). In the depths of his suffering, Job made a remarkable plea. Job placed his trust in God as his Redeemer, the One who would ultimately redeem him from his sins and vindicate him against the false accusations of his peers. 

He expressed his deepest hope that God, in His perfect righteousness, would ultimately stand as a witness to Job’s innocence. This is a fascinating twist because God had seemingly allowed hardship to befall Job, making it appear as if He contradicted Job’s claims. Yet, Job held onto the belief that God’s true nature, His inherent holiness and justice, would one day reveal the truth about Job’s situation. It’s a testament to Job’s unwavering faith that he trusted God to vindicate him, even when God’s actions seemed to suggest otherwise. This unwavering faith of Job serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all to cling to our confidence and hope in the LORD, even in the darkest of times. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of faith in the LORD.

His anticipation extended beyond his present suffering to a future day of deliverance and vindication, a day he referred to with great confidence as “the latter day”. This is the ultimate day towards which all other days converge, the day in which all temporal days culminate. On that day, Job believed his Redeemer would stand to deliver him from death, ransoming him from the grave’s power.

Job’s hope was not limited to mere resurrection, but extended to a glorious resurrection. He expressed this hope vividly: “in my flesh shall I see God”. This reference to “flesh” signifies the new, glorified, incorruptible, spiritual body that the apostle Paul later described in 1 Corinthians 15. Job envisioned not just a return to life, but a transformed existence, where he would behold God with his own eyes in a body impervious to decay and corruption. This anticipation of a future resurrection, free from the limitations of our earthly bodies, can bring us comfort and hope in the midst of our trials, knowing that a glorious future awaits us in the presence of our Redeemer.

This profound hope resonates with all believers who endure trials of faith on this earth, and face the reality of death and the grave’s corruption. The blessed hope of resurrection and life before our Redeemer God is a promise that extends to all who trust in Him. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

In the same spirit as Job, believers today can find solace and strength in their Redeemer’s assurance of eternal life and the promise of a future resurrection. This ultimate hope is not merely a distant dream, but a profound reality grounded in the living, redeeming power of God. As we navigate our earthly trials, this hope sustains us, reminding us that our present sufferings are but a prelude to the eternal glory that awaits us in the presence of our Redeemer. Let us, therefore, hold fast to this hope, allowing it to comfort our hearts and establish us in every good word and work, as we await that glorious day when we shall see God face to face.

Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 4:5
Speaker: Pr Ho Kee How
Date: 23rd June 2024

Envision a church that has lost sight of its fundamental purpose, that is, to spread the Gospel and bring Christ to the lost. Its physical structure may be grand, but its pews are vacant. The cause? It has veered from its mission; as a result, it is weakening and fading, with its “light” being unable to guide the lost.

For a church to truly flourish, the proclamation of Christ must be its very heartbeat. This responsibility does not rest solely on the pastors and preachers, but on every single member. We are all called to be active participants in the mission of soul-winning, a task entrusted to us by Jesus, the Head of the church. As Jesus Himself declared, “For the Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost” (Luke 19:10). He then passed on this mission to His disciples and, by extension, to us, saying, “as my Father hath sent me, even so send I you” (John 20:21b). Therefore, every committed church member, in obedience to his Saviour, must prioritise this soul-winning mission assigned by Christ.

The mission of the church, a divine mandate, is to preach the Gospel of Christ for the salvation of sinners and for their integration into the church for spiritual growth. A church that neglects this Gospel mission not only loses its purpose, but also faces the imminent threat of decline and eventual dissolution. Preaching Christ is not just important, it is vital for any church that aspires for true biblical growth. It is a mission that requires the active participation of all members in the church’s soul-winning efforts.

The apostle Paul stands as a shining example in the work of the Gospel. He shared with Timothy his dedication to being a soul-winner for the Lord: “Therefore I endure all things for the elect’s sakes, that they may also obtain the salvation which is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory” (2 Timothy 2:10). Paul further urged Timothy, “But watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, make full proof of thy ministry” (2 Timothy 4:5). Let us be inspired by his dedication, and strive to follow in his footsteps.

Evangelism should be the foremost purpose of the local church, and is a fundamental reason for its existence. God’s current work is centred on the local church, and His eternal concern has always been to reach out with love to a lost world through the good news of eternal life. Consequently, evangelism must top the list of any church’s ministry. Leaders and members alike must engage in evangelism, not as an optional activity but as a command. Jesus proclaimed, “…ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This is not a suggestion but a call to action – a command from our Saviour.

Evangelism is more than a system or a programme; it involves personal engagement in the lives of others to help them understand and believe in Christ for salvation. It includes the message itself, and the demeanour and conduct of the messenger. Scripture instructs, “Only let your conversation be as it becometh the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27a). Furthermore, believers are to 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…” (Philippians 2:15-16a).

Despite much discussion about evangelism, active participation remains low. Churches often invest significant time and effort into various plans and programmes, yet evangelism is frequently neglected. Understanding evangelism starts with two principles. First, the local church is central to God’s plan for ministry in this age, making biblical evangelism a core focus of the church’s mission. Second, church leaders are responsible for training and equipping members for ministry and leadership, emphasising the church’s duty to prepare its congregation for Gospel work (cf. Ephesians 4).

“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? 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! …So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:13-17).

This passage underscores the critical nature of preaching and the necessity of spreading the Gospel. It emphasises that the beauty of those who share the message of Christ is in the transformative power that their words carry, bringing peace and salvation to those who hear and believe. Thus, the church must embrace its evangelistic mission with fervour and dedication, ensuring that the light of the Gospel reaches every corner of the world.

A church committed to evangelism brings its leaders and fellow Christians immense joy. An evangelistic church ultimately glorifies the Lord. Paul commended the church in Thessalonica, saying, “We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers; remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; … For from you sounded out the word of the Lord not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith to God-ward is spread abroad; so that we need not to speak any thing” (1 Thessalonians 1:2-3, 8).

Beloved, our initial enthusiasm for spreading the Gospel must not fade. We must remain committed to evangelism, undeterred by difficulties or lethargy. How wonderful it would be for our church to receive a commendation like the one Paul gave to the Thessalonian church!

Let us all strive to be prepared for evangelism in our church. I encourage you, dear reader, to wholeheartedly dedicate yourself to becoming a joyful soul-winner for our glorious Redeemer, the Lord Jesus Christ.

Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 11:7–15
Speaker: Rev. Paul Cheng
Date: 16th June 2024

Sermon Text: 3 John 11–14
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 9th June 2024

In Romans 14:7-8, the apostle Paul reminded the Roman Christians of the powerful reality of every believer’s perspective about his life and its purpose. “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”

Living for Christ

Paul here laid out the fundamental truth that Christians ought not to live or die for themselves. Because we belong entirely to the Lord Jesus Christ, our commitment to God stretches far beyond just existing. It means surrendering our desires, choices, and even the timing of our death to God’s will.

Imagine life not as a solo journey but as a partnership with God. We’re not the captains charting our course; we’re instruments in His hands. Romans 14:7 emphasises this: “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself.” We can’t live life on “autopilot”, following societal expectations or our own whims. Every decision, from our careers to our relationships, should be guided by God’s Word and the Holy Spirit’s leadership.

This concept might seem radical at first. But consider the sacrifice Christ made for us. As 1 Corinthians 6:20 reminds us, “For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s.” Through His death on the cross, Jesus has redeemed us from sin and darkness. We are no longer our own; we are His possession, bought at a precious cost.

This idea of belonging to God extends beyond life and encompasses death as well. We don’t get to choose when our time of departure comes. That decision rests with Him. It’s a humbling thought, but it also brings peace. Our lives are in His capable hands, from the very first breath to the very last.

Unfortunately, the world shouts a different message. The constant focus on self-fulfilment and personal gain can easily cloud our judgment. But living for ourselves essentially means living for fleeting pleasures, worldly ambitions and, ultimately, emptiness! True fulfilment comes from living for Christ. This means denying our selfish desires, taking up the cross of obedience, and serving Him with all our heart, mind and soul.

Living for Christ isn’t about convenience; it’s about complete surrender. We recognise Him not just as our Saviour, but also as our Lord. This complete devotion means sacrificing our plans, and embracing His will, even when it’s difficult.

Living a life completely dedicated to God can seem daunting. There will be moments when our resolve is tested, with the allure of self-preservation whispering in our ears. But we shouldn’t let fear stand in our way. Let’s pray for the strength to overcome reluctance and to embrace God’s will. Let’s ask Him to equip us with the courage and wisdom to offer ourselves completely to Him.

One day, our loyalty to God will be questioned. Will we be able to boldly declare, “If I live, I live to the Lord. If I die, I die to the Lord. So, whether I live or die, I belong to the Lord” (cf. Romans 14:8)? Let’s live every day in a way that allows us to answer with a resounding “Yes!”

A Believer’s Purpose

We are not our own, but we belong to God. This profound truth is echoed in Romans 14:8- “For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.” This truth echoes throughout Scripture, just like Jeremiah’s comforting words in 32:38 – “They shall be my people, and I will be their God”. This is a divine covenant, which establishes a deep connection between God and believers, offering a sense of belonging, strength and solace.

For Christians, this relationship translates into a clear purpose: to live for Christ. Unlike the world’s focus on self-gratification, our lives should be dedicated to fulfilling God’s will. The world’s allurements often steer us towards fleeting pursuits with little eternal value. But as Christians, we must resist these pressures and choose a path that glorifies Christ.

The apostle Paul himself served as a powerful example. In Galatians 6:14, he declared, “But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” This statement signifies a complete severance from worldly pursuits. His sole purpose was living for Christ. 

Let us reflect on our own lives. Do our actions at work, school, or home bring honour to Christ’s name? Or do we succumb to worldly pressures and temptations?

This commitment to Christ extends beyond life. Paul expressed this beautifully in Philippians 1:21: “For to me to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” This unwavering devotion to God means even death becomes an opportunity to magnify Him. Paul considered death a “gain” because it leads to eternal union with Christ. This underscores the profound truth – for those who belong to God, death holds no fear; it opens the door to everlasting life with Him.

Therefore, it’s crucial to surrender to God’s will, both in life and death. We must reject the desire to control our own destinies; we must rather trust in His sovereignty. As Christians, we can find comfort in knowing that He determines our life’s course and even the manner of our passing.

Our journey with God doesn’t end with our earthly lives. We have the blessed opportunity to experience His power and glory, now and in eternity. May our desire and prayer be: “Let it be life or death, I shall live unto Him – nothing else.” We must resist the world’s pull that seeks to separate us from Christ. Let us prioritise Him above all other desires and expectations. Our lives, present and future, are solely for His glory.

Sermon Text: Psalm 79
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd June 2024

James 5:19-20 exhorts us, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him; let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” 

This passage urgently compels us to understand the gravity of guiding an erring one into the path of true faith and righteousness. It starts with James urging us not to shy away from correcting a brother or sister who has strayed. He says, “Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him”. He emphasises the importance of gentle yet courageous intervention to bring such an erring one back from “the error of his way”. This isn’t about judgment or condemnation; it’s about love and concern for that person’s spiritual well-being.

The consequence of neglecting this responsibility is starkly presented in the verse. James warns that the erring believer faces “death”. This death is twofold – physical and spiritual. Spiritual death, often referred to as the “second death”, represents the eternal separation from God that awaits those who remain unrepentant in their sins. In the church, there can be those who have never been saved. Even though they are enthusiastic about doctrines and the Christian way of life, they do not seek Christ and His righteousness. They secretly entertain unbelief and sins in their hearts. 

2 Peter 2:20 speaks of them – “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning.” This passage highlights the dire consequence of continuing in sin, especially for those who have received knowledge of God’s will. The severity of the punishment aligns with the level of understanding and responsibility. Jesus also warned in Luke 12:47 that those who know God’s Word and yet deliberately walk away from it will be punished more – “And that servant, which knew his lord’s will, and prepared not himself, neither did according to his will, shall be beaten with many stripes.” This is a powerful reminder to respond swiftly with repentance and correction whenever we encounter sin.

James encourages us with a compelling reason to act to restore those who wander away from the Lord. An incredible reward is associated with restoring a brother or sister. James declares, “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.” The act of saving a soul from death isn’t just about rescuing someone from physical harm; it’s about saving him from eternal separation from God and eternal torment in hell! The joy of leading someone back to Christ, His truth, and the path of righteousness, is immeasurable.

Furthermore, James mentions that the restoration of a sinner is tantamount to “hid[ing] a multitude of sins”. James is echoing Proverbs 10:12, which doesn’t imply covering up sin or ignoring the issue. True love requires bringing the sin to light and urging the person towards repentance. “Hiding” signifies God’s love, forgiveness and cleansing power, which become available to the repentant sinner through Christ’s sacrifice.

In conclusion, James 5:20 compels us to take responsibility for our fellow believers. When we see someone straying, we must reach out in love and firmness, not to condemn but to guide him back to God. This act of restoration not only saves them from potential spiritual and physical death, but also brings joy to us and to heaven itself. Let us all be instruments of love and correction, actively participating in restoring our brothers and sisters in Christ.

Remembering Mrs Ivy Tow

(This is Rev. Reggor Galarpe’s recollection of Mrs Tow, published in the Sunday weekly of Gethsemane BPC, Cebu).

Some of you may have met Mrs Ivy Tow in person during the 2nd Missionary Conference that was held here in Cebu City, way back in 2007 when her late husband Rev. Timothy Tow (our principal in FEBC) came for Rev. Ephrem’s and my ordination to the pastoral ministry.

It was just last week that I learned of her condition through Pastor Koshy’s message via WhatsApp: “Good morning! Mrs Tow is critically ill in hospital with advanced lung cancer. Though she has not suffered any pain or serious troubles, she is now suffering from breathlessness. Remember her in your prayers that the Lord mercifully strengthen her and finally guide her home.”

On that same day, I wrote an email to Dr Jeffrey Khoo (FEBC principal and son-in-law): “… I learned from Pastor Koshy about Mrs Tow’s condition. The church here in Cebu is upholding her in prayer. The Lord is merciful and gracious! Likewise, praying for comfort upon the family, especially for you, May Ann and May Lynn. May the Lord sustain Mrs Tow according to His will!” To which a quick reply came: “Thanks Reggor. Just visited her. She is weak, but finding peace in the Lord. God bless!” Then early Saturday morning, I got a message in my email, which I think was sent to all FEBC alumni, informing us that our dearly beloved matron was called home to be with our Lord Jesus Christ on Friday evening.

All of a sudden, I thought about Mrs Tow – her life and labour in the Bible College, and her love and care for the students. I remembered those several occasions long after my studies, when I dropped by FEBC for a visit (whenever I came to Singapore); invariably those visits would surely include seeing Mrs Tow at the kitchen. I further recalled in one Missionary Conference held in 2017 in Kuching, East Malaysia, when Mrs Tow spared some time to have fellowship with us – Filipino alumni of FEBC. I was with Eld. Richard, Eld. Eli, Pr Edsel, and Pastor Donald (together with his wife Sis. Se Jin and son Jesher), and several others. We had a great time with her, especially when she started to ask everyone about the ministry and our respective families. Thanks be unto God for the wonderful memories!

In reply to the email received, I managed to write a short message to Mrs Tow’s granddaughters – May Ann and May Lynn – through Dr Khoo’s email:

“Blessed be God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies, and the God of all comfort; who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God” (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). On behalf of Gethsemane BPC, Cebu City, the Philippines, our sincere condolences. We are praying for the Lord’s comfort and strength to be upon you in this most difficult time.”

Like the rest of the FEBC alumni, I do have fond memories of Mrs Tow – not only was she our college matron, she was also a mentor and a mother to everyone. “...the LORD gave, and the LORD hath taken away; blessed be the name of the LORD” (Job 1:21).