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Jeremy Cheah

My Journey of Salvation

I thank God for godly Christian parents who sought to bring me up in the ways of the Lord and baptized me as an infant. My journey as a Christian began as a young boy in Bethany Independent-Presbyterian Church, learning God’s Word in Sunday School and various camps the church organised. The messages preached and taught were just mere interesting stories then, and I only enjoyed church because I could play with my friends.

As I entered secondary school, my heart became more sensitive to the Spirit’s moving and became convicted of the sinful life I led. As a young child, I was often quick to anger, fast to pick up foul language, led a double life and committed many other sins. During one church camp message – taken from Colossians 4:6, which reads “Let your speech be alway with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man” – God convicted me of how wrong it was to indulge in using foul language with my friends in school. I knew that I was a wretched sinner, lost in sin and darkness, and needed spiritual cleansing in my life.

However, since then I was struck with another problem of inadequacy and pride. For the longest time as I was trying to “work out” my faith, I felt that I could never match up to the standard God had set. I thought I was not worthy of the salvation Jesus gave. Therein lies pride, thinking I could ever work my way to Heaven. “But God, who is rich in mercy, for his great love wherewith he loved us, even when we were dead in sins, hath quickened us together with Christ, (by grace ye are saved;)” (Ephesians 2:4-5). When I finally realised “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9), God struck my heart and convicted me of the wrong idea I had of Christianity. Man can by no means work his way to Heaven. Salvation was given freely by God, and one only need to have faith in Him to receive salvation. So, at 19, I reaffirmed my faith in the Lord.

Seeking Transfer

It was in 2022 when I felt spiritually dry in my faith and needed growing. By God’s providence, He worked through a friend at my internship place. Through our fellowshipping in the Lord, I first came across the 5 points of Calvinism. At first, I grappled with the “U” and “L” of TULIP – Unconditional Election and Limited Atonement. How could God choose to save some and not others? Does that not make God unloving? As I sought counsel from several pastors (including Rev. Koshy), I finally understood this doctrine and became convicted of it. Man is totally depraved, destined for eternal damnation. But out of His love, God gave His only Son, Jesus Christ, to give us salvation. Furthermore, His salvation is sufficient for all, but only efficient for the elect who were predestined according to the foreknowledge of God. It is through this new conviction and belief in Calvinism that the Lord moved in my heart to seek transfer of church membership.

Through the Catechism and FEBC classes, I came to understand theology systematically. It is through these teachings that God revived me and helped me to increase in my understanding of Him, causing me to be in awe of Him and then, desiring Him more.

Since coming to Gethsemane slightly more than a year ago, I particularly love how the Word of God is expounded deeply and accurately. Furthermore, the teachings here at Gethsemane revealed to me much more sin problems in my life that I have to get rid of. One particular lesson taught during Youth Fellowship was from 1 Corinthians 6:12 – “All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any.” Paul was teaching the Corinthian church to prioritise expediency over a Christian’s exercise of lawful liberties. That reminded me that I needed to lead a more spiritually excellent life and not just one that is merely lawful, to edify brethren and witness to non-believers.

Over time, the Lord also graciously granted me opportunities to serve within the church in the YF, YAF and Lions Home Ministry, which made me feel welcome and at home. By God’s grace and leading, I hope to transfer my membership to learn, serve and grow with the brethren here in Gethsemane BP Church. I pray that the Lord will grant me more opportunities to fellowship with all of you.

Clara Lim

I thank God that He led me to attend Gethsemane BP Church in June 2023 through my sister, Celine. I previously worshipped at a charismatic church from 2019 to 2023, but decided to leave as I disagreed with certain doctrines, such as speaking in tongues and the need for a second baptism of the Holy Spirit. I also found it difficult to have a deeper understanding of God’s Word, as sermons were often brief, lacking in depth and clear exposition from the Bible.

I thank God for the sound and biblical preaching in Gethsemane, where I have gained a deeper understanding of God’s Word and critical Bible doctrines. Over the past year, I have learnt a lot and I am thankful for the warm fellowship extended by many here. I thank God for His grace and mercies, and I look forward to growing in my understanding of His Word and in my spiritual walk with Him.

Leong Wei Chen

At the mere age of 8 years old, I already knew about the Saviour Jesus from my maternal grandmother while she was lying on her sick-bed, as she was a professed Christian. She had never failed to share Bible stories with my cousins and I despite her illness. However, my mother did not believe but embraced Buddhism instead. I was so young back then and unsure of what to do, so I remained neutral until my grandmother died. I was not keen to embrace Buddhism as I felt in my heart it was wrong. So, I pretended anyway whenever my mother would ask me to go with her for temple prayers and visits, just for the sake of not being reprimanded. I continued to do this till I have almost forgotten the Lord.

Not much later, a senior in my secondary school shared the Gospel with me and invited me to church. From this encounter, I remembered my grandmother and was elated to go to church with him. For a while, I was intrigued by the people “speaking in tongues” and the bands playing dramatic music. I found it interesting and decided to be more active by joining a cell group. As I actively participated in their fellowship, I thought I had accepted the Lord as my Saviour. But after a few months later, all those whom I fellowshipped with started showing their true colours. They had no restrictions in dress codes, BGRs were commonly encouraged, and there were a lot of ungodly behaviours. Sadly, my senior backslided and was involved in crimes. As I witness one by one of my friends backsliding, that led me to “lose my faith” and not attend this church anymore. I tried to go to other churches but it felt the same, so I went back to my usual lifestyle with my mother.

“Fast forward” to my adulthood: I have known Sis Ayn since we were in the same secondary school. Somehow I got to know that her mother (Aunty Jean) was reaching out to my best friend’s mother to evangelise. I told my best friend and his mother to attend church with me, but they declined as they said they were Catholics. I decided to go regardless. Upon coming to Gethsemane, I was shocked at how solemn and reverential this church is. I have only truly started to learn the Word of God, understanding it with so much clarity, compared to the churches I have attended before. 

By God’s divine will and timing, He has led me to Gethsemane to know that I am sinful, and in need of Him and true salvation. I was pricked from every sermon through Pastor Koshy. Thank God for Aunty Jean and her family in encouraging me, and for the fellow brethren who have prayed with me and for me. I am edified and blessed to witness the labour of the brethren for the Lord’s work as I attend the English Service, Filipino Fellowship, Evening Teaching Service and Tuesday prayer meetings. Praise God for enabling me to attend these services on the Lord’s Day despite my busy work schedules. As Matthew 6:24 says, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon.” Please pray that I may be granted day off on Sundays, and that I myself may desire to learn more of God’s Word and attend more church meetings for my spiritual growth.

I can now safely proclaim unashamedly, with confidence, that I am truly a child of God, saved through my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! Amen. I pray that this Good News which my mother has heard before, will cause her to turn to the Lord and believe as I did, according to God’s will and grace. May I grow more in the Lord to be a channel of blessing to others, and to be able to share the Word of God with more souls. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8).

Sermon Text: Psalm 92:1–15
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 20th October 2024

Esther Tay

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me” (Philippians 4:13).

I thank God that I am a second-generation Christian, who was baptised as an infant and who reaffirmed my faith in the Lord Jesus Christ as my Saviour and Lord in 2005. I started attending Gethsemane BPC since 15th July 2023. Prior to that, I was unable to attend church for some time due to COVID and other unforeseen circumstances. During that time, I had been praying for the strength and courage to attend church, as I missed the company of like-minded brethren and would love to bring my then 3-year-old child to church, for the first time. We thank God that we can attend the 8.30am Sunday Service faithfully in Gethsemane BPC, and listen to the truths of the Bible preached by faithful ministers. I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me, and allow me to serve Him more, together with my child soon.

Ho Shirley

I was baptised in the Roman Catholic faith upon the sudden death of my mother when I was young. However, there was no change in the way I lived till the day I was invited to join a BP Bible-study group gathered at a friend’s home. 

On hindsight, I believed that it was the Holy Spirit who opened my heart and mind to the truth of God’s Word, answering all the numerous questions which I was not allowed to ask in the Catholic faith. I started attending Calvary Pandan and True Life BP Churches, and also started studying at the night classes held at FEBC.

Praise God for the way God’s Word was so unwaveringly expounded at FEBC night lectures by Pastor Koshy and for how God’s Word was also unapologetically expounded at all worship services, retreats, gatherings and church camps at Gethsemane. All these convicted me that I ought to be found in a church where God is highly exalted and His Word faithfully taught. The preaching of the Word frequently pierced and penetrated my thoughts, constantly confronting my sinful and defiant ways. I feel very uncomfortable whenever I have inadvertently done anything that reminds me that I have not been a good witness for Christ. In John 6:63, Jesus said, “the words that I speak unto you, they are spirit, and they are life.” And I testify that God’s Word exhorts, rebukes, corrects and instructs me all the time because it is the living Word.

I thank God for all that He has blessed me with, and I pray that I shall do all that God has purposed for me in my life. All glory be to God!

Matilda Tay

I’ve always been exposed to Christianity since my earliest memory. My mum taught me to pray; she taught me that Jesus is God. I attended Sunday School regularly, and even studied in a missionary school. So, for the longest time, I’ve always been surrounded by Christianity.

However, I never knew God personally or my need for Him till later on. I got baptised at the age of 10, thinking that baptism would cleanse me and would dub me as a Christian. I recall vividly thinking to myself: “Oh, I must behave now, I must be good, especially now that I am baptised”. For the first week, it went well; the second week was not too bad, but after that, I failed terribly.

Since baptism till my teens, I tried to be a “good Christian”, which came through the “façade” of being a good student and a good friend. But deep down, I was still beset with pride and anger, which were often displayed at home.

After my ‘O’ Levels, I attended a church camp that prompted me to reflect deeply. The preacher challenged us to consider how we would live our life once we returned “to the world” after the camp. That question made me rethink the consistency of my faith. As a result, I began dedicating more time to reading the Bible and also joined a Christian fellowship group in polytechnic (called Cru). Through this group, I was exposed to a clear presentation of the Gospel for the first time. I came to understand my fallen nature and its consequences (Romans 3:23; 6:23), and how we could only be redeemed through Jesus’ death and resurrection (Romans 5:8).

Of course, I still sin. But through daily repentance and reliance on Christ’s completed work on the cross, I have hope that He will grant me the grace, through the Spirit, to live as “a new creature” (2 Cor 5:17), in response to His goodness towards me.

I am joining GBPC in preparation for my marriage to Bro Galen, trusting that I will continue to grow in knowledge and love of our Lord Jesus Christ, and serve God together.

Clement Tan

“The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9). 

Through the lessons taught in the catechism programme, I have learnt many things about God – who God is to; what He has promised in His Book, the Bible; how Christians should conduct their lives, etc. These lessons made me realise how perfect our God is, and how imperfect I am. This makes me want to study God’s Word even more, in order to learn more of His precious truths. The promises of God also make me hopeful that the prophecies of God will soon be fulfilled, and that Christians can become “incorruptible” after Christ’s second coming, whereby we are able to praise God and serve Him forever. 

Additionally, the statutes of God have set the guideline as to how I should live my life as a Christian, and how I can stay away from sin. Lastly, learning about God’s judgment against sinners and His punishments, deters me from committing sin as I live in hope of joining Christ in Heaven. These lessons have helped me understand the purpose of a Christian, which is to study more of God’s truths, in order to serve Him more and eventually join Him in Heaven. I am convinced that I’m saved by Christ. This is why I want to reaffirm my faith, that I may commit to serve God more and learn more of His truths, allowing me to mature as a Christian.

I thank God I was born into a Christian family. Since I was young, I have attended church with my family, but did not fully understand what Jesus did for us. However, after encountering some setbacks in my life, I felt down and lonely. This made me realise how important Christ is to our lives, and how He is like a friend to us.

Sermon Text: Psalm 91:7–16
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 13th October 2024

“For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (Romans 1:16). In the immediate context, Paul elaborated on his indebtedness to preach the Gospel to the Greeks and the barbarians, to the wise and the unwise. He also wrote about his longing to be in Rome to preach the Gospel there. Though the Gospel was then unpopular in those areas of the world, as it is today, Paul was not ashamed of it. 

To the wise of this world, the Gospel was foolishness, yet it was Paul’s joyous passion to preach it (cf. 1 Cor 1:23). He preached it with unashamed boldness. Paul was not embarrassed to suffer for the Gospel (2 Tim 1:8, 12; cf. 1 Cor 4:10-13; 9:12b).

The Gospel’s unpopularity has compelled many preachers to compromise its content and delivery. They try to make the Gospel inoffensive. However, such a Gospel is not the “gospel of God” (1:1) or the “gospel of Christ” (1:16; cf. 1:9), but the gospel of man, which cannot save sinners. Unlike many modern preachers, Paul was undeterred in proclaiming the pure Gospel of Jesus Christ. 

In the rest of Romans 1:16, Paul explains to his readers the crucial truths about the Gospel – “for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.” The word “for” introduces the reason why he was not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, and the reason he gave was: “it is the power of God unto salvation” (v. 16b). The word “power” comes from the Greek word dunamis, from which we get the English word “dynamite”. It refers to the power residing in a thing by virtue of its nature. The power inherent in the Gospel is “the power of God”. 

Through the Gospel, God’s infinite power works to save sinners from the bondage of sin. The Gospel is the means by which God exerts His omnipotent power to quicken souls dead in trespasses and sins. It is God’s efficacious (or mighty) plan by which His power goes forth to save sinners who once may have resisted the Gospel. (Read Paul’s words in 1 Cor 1:18, 24-25).

The phrase, “it is the power of God”, implies that the Gospel is God’s plan, not man’s device. Furthermore, nothing can make the Gospel void from saving God’s elect. The phrase, “it is the power of God unto salvation”, guarantees that the Gospel has the power to grant complete deliverance from sin and hell. 

Salvation is offered to everyone who believes in the Gospel of Christ: “to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek” (v. 16c). Salvation is bestowed freely and fully on all who receive the Gospel of Jesus Christ by faith. The phrase, “to the Jew first, and also to the Greek”, indicates that the Gospel came to the Jews before the Greeks, through Christ (Matt. 10:5-7) and through the apostles (Acts 3:26). The Gospel is not an exclusive message for either the Jews or the Gentiles; it is to be preached everywhere, that people from every nation and tribe may believe and be saved. Praise God that the Gospel has reached us and granted us salvation. And now, may it spread to others for their salvation, through each one of us who has already believed in the Gospel.

All Ways Lead to God

(A recent reflection from Bro. Seraph McGregor, a Bible teacher at GBI, India. Serving alongside him is his wife, Ribka, who supports the students’ well-being and prepares their meals.)

I grew up in a very pluralistic context, where people would talk much about religious harmony and unity in diversity. A commonly propagated notion was that all religions are but different paths that lead to the same God. At school, a teacher who would lead the morning prayers often taught us the same thing, citing the example of the structure of a particular temple, which has four entrances and this, according to him, could be equated to different religions; no matter which one of the four entrances you choose, you would enter into the same temple. Similarly, he said that there is but one God. No matter which religion you follow, it will ultimately lead you to Him. As a school-going boy, I admired this concept of pluralism. But when I became a Christian, I knew that I could not accept what I had been taught in school.

All Ways Lead to God

Pope Francis recently remarked, “All religions are paths to God.” Christians around the world are upset about it. But as I ponder the issue, I think I can agree with my music teacher and the Pope, but not in the sense that you are probably thinking right now. I am convinced biblically that you will have to meet God, no matter what way or religion you pursue. We are told in the sacred Scriptures: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). 

The Bible clearly tells us that when we die, we will have to face judgment. But who is going to judge us? Acts 17:31 says that it is Christ who will judge the world - “… he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained”. Jesus said that the Father has committed the judgment to Christ, the Son of man. God has appointed Christ to be the Saviour of all who trust in Him, and the Judge of all who reject Him. Yes, He will judge the living and the dead, those who believe and those who do not. Revelation 20:11–15 declares, “And I saw a great white throne, and him that sat on it... And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works. And the sea gave up the dead which were in it; and death and hell delivered up the dead which were in them: and they were judged every man according to their works. And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.”

Regardless of the way one has chosen to walk on, he shall one day find God at the end of that way as the Judge of all men! So, as the prophet Amos said, “…prepare to meet thy God, O Israel” (Amos 4:12)! 

The Blessed Way

But does the Lord Jesus disagree with what is being said here? Did He not say, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)? Yes, He did, and that makes the whole difference. Jesus said no one comes to the Father, but by Him. 

Those who have come to appear before God through the blessed Way, Jesus, would find God to be their gracious heavenly Father and shall be received into His gracious and blissful presence. He shall be their God, and they shall be His people who were otherwise His enemies. Christ – and Christ alone – has made peace between us and God, and brought about the reconciliation of all things through His atoning death on the cross and His resurrection. This is the very message that we are called to preach: that Christ – and Christ alone – is the Author of our reconciliation with God. 

It is through Christ that we have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry out, “Abba, Father” (Romans 8:15)! It is to them who believe in Jesus that He has given the “power to become the sons of God” (John 1:12). It is through the only begotten Son of God alone that we can truly become the children of God.

Sermon Text: Psalm 91:1–6
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th October 2024

During his recent visit to Singapore, the Pope made a statement that has been widely reported: “All religions are paths to God.” He added, “I will use an analogy, they are like different languages that express the divine.”¹ This view, however, stands in stark contrast to our Christian belief. 

As followers of Christ, we recognise no authority beyond what Christ Himself and the Holy Scriptures, the Word of God, have revealed to us. 

Salvation to Come to God is Only through Jesus

Let’s listen to Jesus’ words on how to be saved and come to God. (To stress the importance, the relevant portions are underscored.)

• “Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep” (John 10:7-11).
• “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6)

As shown in the statements above, Jesus has clearly emphasised that He is the only path to God, the embodiment of truth, and the Giver of eternal life. For further evidence of Jesus’ insistence that He is the Saviour whom God sent for sinners to come to Him, please refer to the following Scripture passages: Matthew 1:21; 11:27-30; Mark 16:15-16; Luke 5:32; 19:10; John 3:16; 5:36-47; 6:35-39; 11:25-26.

Now, let us hear the emphatic declarations of Christ’s apostles, as recorded in the New Testament, that reiterated Christ is the only Saviour whom God had prepared for sinners:

• Peter declared, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
• “Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons: but in every nation he that feareth him, and worketh righteousness, is accepted with him. The word which God sent unto the children of Israel, preaching peace by Jesus Christ: (he is Lord of all:) that word, I say, ye know, which was published throughout all Judaea, and began from Galilee, after the baptism which John preached; how God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Ghost and with power: who went about doing good, and healing all that were oppressed of the devil; for God was with him. And we are witnesses of all things which he did both in the land of the Jews, and in Jerusalem; whom they slew and hanged on a tree: Him God raised up the third day, and shewed him openly; not to all the people, but unto witnesses chosen before of God, even to us, who did eat and drink with him after he rose from the dead. And he commanded us to preach unto the people, and to testify that it is he which was ordained of God to be the Judge of quick and dead. To him give all the prophets witness, that through his name whosoever believeth in him shall receive remission of sins” (Acts 10:34-43).
• Paul declared, “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus; who gave himself a ransom for all, to be testified in due time” (1 Timothy 2:5-6).
• “How shall we escape, if we neglect so great salvation; which at the first began to be spoken by the Lord, and was confirmed unto us by them that heard him; God also bearing them witness, both with signs and wonders, and with divers miracles, and gifts of the Holy Ghost, according to his own will?” (Hebrews 2:3-4).
• “How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God? And for this cause he is the mediator of the new testament, that by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions that were under the first testament, they which are called might receive the promise of eternal inheritance” (Hebrews 9:14-15).
• John proclaimed, “And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:11-12).

Condemnation to Those who Reject Christ, the God-Appointed Saviour

Now consider Jesus’ warning of eternal damnation for all who reject Him as the One whom God the Father has sent to this earth to save sinners and to provide the way to heaven:

• “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God” (John 3:16-18).
• “He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life: and he that believeth not the Son shall not see life; but the wrath of God abideth on him” (John 3:36).
• “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son: that all men should honour the Son, even as they honour the Father. He that honoureth not the Son honoureth not the Father which hath sent him. Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that heareth my word, and believeth on him that sent me, hath everlasting life, and shall not come into condemnation; but is passed from death unto life” (John 5:22-24). 

The apostles also warned that those who deny Christ will not come to the Father but perish forever:

• “But there were false prophets also among the people, even as there shall be false teachers among you, who privily shall bring in damnable heresies, even denying the Lord that bought them, and bring upon themselves swift destruction” (2 Peter 2:1). 
• “Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also” (1 John 2:23). 
•  “He that believeth on the Son of God hath the witness in himself: he that believeth not God hath made him a liar; because he believeth not the record that God gave of his Son. And this is the record, that God hath given to us eternal life, and this life is in his Son. He that hath the Son hath life; and he that hath not the Son of God hath not life” (1 John 5:10-12).
• “For there are certain men crept in unawares, who were before of old ordained to this condemnation, ungodly men, turning the grace of our God into lasciviousness, and denying the only Lord God, and our Lord Jesus Christ” (Jude 4).

Receive Not Those Who Reject Christ as the Only Way to God

“Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 9-11).

¹ https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/september/documents/20240913-singapore-giovani.html

Sermon Text: Psalm 90:1–17
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 29th September 2024

Psalm 119:131 - “I opened my mouth, and panted: for I longed for thy commandments.” 

This verse vividly portrays a person deeply yearning for God’s commandments. The phrase, “opened my mouth, and panted”, evokes the image of someone utterly exhausted and gasping for air, or of a parched animal thirsting for water. These expressions depict one of the most intense desires imaginable—a longing for something vital and life-sustaining. Such was the psalmist’s deep desire for the Word of God, particularly for His commandments.

Many people today view the commandments of God as restrictive, burdensome, or difficult to follow. Some claim that God’s commandments are “grievous” (or heavy), but that is far from the truth. 1 John 5:3 reminds us that God’s commandments are not grievous, but are an expression of His love for us. The apostle John said, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” The psalmist, in Psalm 119, understood that God’s commandments are good, beneficial, and life-giving. They lead to wisdom and a greater understanding of life’s purpose. As the psalmist has declared, “Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies” (Psalm 119:98).

Moreover, God’s commandments are described as pure, faithful, and righteous. Psalm 19:8 tells us, “the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes.” They are not arbitrary rules, but perfect, consistent expressions of God’s righteousness and truth. The psalmist also states in Psalm 119:86 that God’s commandments are “faithful”, meaning they are trustworthy and dependable. In Psalm 119:151, they are described as being “truth”, and in Psalm 119:172, as “righteousness”. Every one of God’s commandments reflects His perfect nature, and reveals His wisdom and holiness to those who obey them. 

Furthermore, God’s commandments are like lamps that shine light on our path, helping us to get through life’s uncertainties and darkness. Proverbs 6:23 says, “For the commandment is a lamp; and the law is light”. Just as a lamp illuminates our way in physical darkness, God’s commandments illuminate our spiritual journey, guiding us away from sin and towards righteousness.

Given the goodness, purity, and truthfulness of God’s commandments, it is crucial that we do not forsake them. Instead, like the psalmist, we should earnestly desire to know and follow them. All those who obey God’s commandments will undoubtedly be preserved from the errors, guilt, shame of sinful temptations and spiritual ignorance. Above all, they will be led in God’s perfect wisdom, righteousness, and blessings.

25th Bible Witness Retreat Participants’ Testimonies (II)

Doreen Ng

I have learnt many spiritual lessons from Pastor Koshy’s exposition of the theme on “The God of Covenant” in the 25th Bible Witness Retreat. This doctrine of divine covenant depicts God as sovereign, gracious and unchanging. It gives me great assurance that I can hold onto God’s unbreakable New Covenant in a world filled with challenges and uncertainties. 

The messages caused me to pause and think about God as He has revealed Himself in His covenants, and thus be grateful for the covenantal relationship that He has established in Christ with me. This relationship takes me on a journey of discovering more about God and His plan for me. Understanding and embracing the truths of God in His covenants not only enlighten my spiritual eyes, but also have the effect of encouraging me to continue being instructed more perfectly in His Word and to endure in faith to the end. The eternal life in Christ is the ultimate benefit of His covenants (cf. 2 Peter 1: 4).

Randy Laurencio 

Through this 25th BW Retreat, I learn that God reveals Himself through His covenant to His chosen people. I was truly awed, through all the messages, by the reminder of how sinful I am but yet God has chosen me to be His child. I am very blessed to learn of the matchless magnanimity of our God in His covenants. He was so gracious to engraft us Gentiles, the branches of the wild olive tree, to that natural olive tree, even Israel. I cannot fathom the deepness of His love towards Israel and towards us, believers in Christ in this present age. He is so merciful and unchanging in His love towards me, despite my many shortcomings and sins. 

I confess that I have been taking for granted all His benefits and goodness towards me. I realise I have indeed abused His kindness and blessings towards me because of my selfishness, my short-sightedness and my lack of faith and trust in Him. May He forgive me for not having fully entrusted my life to Him. May I be moulded and changed to fully surrender my life to Him. The God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob is also my God, and I love Him and His words because He first loved me. He has fulfilled His ultimate promise to save me from my sins through the death on the cross of His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Indeed, “What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” (Romans 8:31-32). He is able to fulfil all His promises towards me and to all His people, because He is the Almighty God. 

As for my response, I pray that I will fully trust in Him and walk according to His ways and precepts, that I will follow Him knowing that He is always there to restore and help me. While He has promised that He is able to provide for all our needs, I am most comforted by His promise in 1 John 1:9 – “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

Reuel Resuma

I thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend the recent 25th Bible Witness Retreat, and especially for the preaching of His Word on the topic, “The God of Covenant”, which was expounded to us by Pastor. 

A brief summary of what I have learned from the retreat is that God is faithful in keeping His covenant and fulfils all that He has promised. Also, God’s covenants are unilateral, meaning that He alone sovereignly initiates the covenant, and graciously extends the covenant to whomsoever He wills, and exercises His authority over it and enforces its blessing and curse. These are evident in all of the biblical covenants, such as the Adamic Covenant, Noahic Covenant, Abrahamic Covenant, Mosaic Covenant, Davidic Covenant and the New Covenant.

Before the fall, God had established a covenant with Adam and Eve known as the “Covenant of Works”. This is God’s covenant with Adam and Eve, wherein He commanded them that they could eat of any tree in the Garden of Eden except the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. For if they did, they would die (cf. Genesis 2:16-17). Although they disobeyed God’s covenant, God graciously initiated another covenant, which is known as the “Covenant of Grace”. All covenants that God has extended to man after the fall are part of the “Covenant of Grace”. And it all started with Genesis 3:15 – “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head, and thou shalt bruise his heel.”

Finally, I learn that God has established a New Covenant, and the ratification of this occurred when Jesus died on the cross and shed His blood for us. The New Covenant also talks of God restoring His people, Israel – which is nothing like the previous covenants, for all of them would know God, and His law would be in their hearts which will culminate in Christ’s millennial reign on earth (Jeremiah 31:31-34).

All glory be to God!

Sermon Text: Psalm 89:38–52
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 22nd September 2024