Sermon Text: Psalm 49
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th July 2023
Sermon Text: Psalm 49
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th July 2023
Hostility, quarrel, acrimony, threats, slander, and hurtful actions have wrecked many a church; and such stories have saddened us deeply. If we do not guard ourselves against sin and self-promoting ways, our congregation will be wrecked with dissension. Today, I would like to share with you, Scripture’s counsel on guarding ourselves against disunity and division. Let us also take heed to pray that “there be no divisions among [us]; but that [we] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10).
Disharmony and disunity have existed in the church since New Testament times. The church in Corinth, for one, was most disreputable for its quarrels.
“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Quarrels have long been part of human society. The source of all fightings is man’s sinful heart. Man’s depraved, egoistic nature is the root of all discord and dispute. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). Man is predisposed to his personal desires and whims. Unless believers “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication” (Colossians 3:8), they would also be tempted to live for self-interest and self-glory, resulting in bitterness and acrimonious conduct. When two or more people are determined to pursue their own personal agendas, they will soon begin to fight.
Sadly, uncharitable contentions do occur in the church. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it” (1 Corinthians 11:18; cf. 1:11) – the reason being that “ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). Here, Paul is not saying that believers were in a totally carnal state, but that the Corinthians had been behaving in a carnal or fleshly manner. When believers do not walk in the Spirit, they succumb to the impulses of the flesh. This is why believers are reminded: “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).
It is totally out of character for Christians to engage in quarrels and divisions within the church. It undermines the church’s testimony and effectiveness in the world. It gives an occasion for the devil and the world to scorn the church. It grieves the Lord; it discourages and demoralises His people. In Galatians 5:15, Christians are admonished: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Quarrels fracture fellowship, rob Christians of their joy, weaken their effectiveness and dishonour the Lord. What a high price to pay for an ego trip!
God has forbidden quarrels in the church. Instead, He encourages unity within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul admonished the feuding Corinthians: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”
The first need of the Corinthian church was harmony among its people. It is also the need of many churches today. Note that this unity comes with proper judgment, being of “the same mind and … the same judgment”. Anything less is not true spiritual unity. Hypocritical unity that tolerates doctrinal errors and unholy living is not what is taught here. We are not simply to be in unity indiscriminately and avoid all conflicts, though people pursue ungodly doctrines and unscriptural living.
When congregants differ in doctrine or strongly disagree with the church leadership and policies, they cannot contribute to the spiritual unity of the church nor serve effectively. Of course, believers are not “carbon copies” of each other. They differ in disposition, temperament, skill and giftedness, but they should be of the same mind in Christian doctrine and living.
If any kind of difference or dispute occurs, it must be resolved according to the Scriptures. Church leaders, who are men of knowledge and spiritual maturity, must make it a point to prayerfully attend to those issues, and advise the church what “seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to [them]” (Acts 15:28). No arbitrary ruling should be made, but the Board of Elders must make their decision unanimously, and in accordance with God’s Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their godly counsel must then be humbly sought and obeyed, for Scripture commands believers to “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” (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful believers then must be in complete harmony with their leaders to obey God’s will. When elders are one in the Spirit, the congregation should submit to the directions given to them by the elders.
Such unity would require much effort and prayer. But it is God’s way for His church to enjoy the sweet blessings of unity, as Paul said to the Philippians, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Let us remember the psalmist’s praise of brotherly unity – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).
Dear Gethsemaneans, let us always endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6), and make Paul’s prayer for the Roman church ours: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:5-7).
Philippians 2:14 exhorts, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings”. We are dissuaded from engaging in two evils, namely murmuring and disputing. Interestingly, the apostle is concerned that some may engage in spiritual activities with murmuring and disputing. In other words, they practise religion without sincerity and joy. When God-given duties are done with murmuring and a disgruntled spirit, such service will be unacceptable. So, all Christians must guard themselves against such evil conduct. Both of those sins must be abhorred and avoided if our services are to be effective and helpful.
Some murmur against God and His servants, like the Israelites in the wilderness when experiencing a time of scarcity. In Numbers 11, we read about them: “And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” (vv. 4-6; cf. Exodus 15:24; 16:7-9).
Others murmur because they are discontented with and envious of the godly men and women whom God uses (cf. Numbers 14:1-4; 16:41; Mark 14:5). There are also some others who murmur because of their unbelief and their bigoted desire to spread their sedition (cf. Luke 15:2; Jude 16).
The spirit of murmuring is perilous. The Word of God cautions us, “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). Murmuring is often the result of envy, discontentment, bitterness, pride and unbelief. It results in many evil deeds, such as gossip, backbiting, slander, usurping of authority, defiance, sedition, dissension and schism. Murmuring is not just a dispute with man, but also with God! So, serve the Lord without any murmur or dispute.
Sermon Text: Psalm 48
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd July 2023
In Second Corinthians, Paul records for our learning how the brethren in Macedonia were motivated by love to spend and be spent. This record has an interesting background. While Paul was making his way through Europe, he made some effort to collect money for the hurting believers in Jerusalem. When he reached Macedonia, he announced the need of the fellow Christians in Jerusalem. What adds to the significance of this whole episode is that Macedonia was already an economically depressed area. It would be like encouraging some of the mission churches in poorer areas of the Philippines to support those in Ethiopia. This would be a strange appeal today! (Please read slowly and carefully the following words of Paul. Don’t skip even a word!)
“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).
From the above report of Paul about the Macedonian believers, we can learn some important lessons about how we should practise giving:
Sacrificially: Macedonians gave sacrificially because they were giving out of their own poverty and not out of wealth. Take note of Paul’s report of their financial state when they gave towards the need in Jerusalem – “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” The Macedonian Christians did not even have enough to feed themselves, when they decided to put together whatever they could find in order to support the needy Jerusalem Church.
According to Paul, “beyond their power they were willing of themselves” to support the brethren. What else could this be but their sacrificial love for the need of the Jerusalem Church?
Generously: Have you noticed Paul’s words about the Macedonians that they “abounded unto the riches of their liberality”? The word, “abound” means “overflow”, and thus a reference to their availability to help and bless the needy. Theirs was not a stingy giving. They were not calculating, to say “Look, we are already poor, and moreover we have to give to our own church. So don’t expect us to make another big gift to Jerusalem.” There was not a penny-pinching man among them. On the contrary, they were liberal in their giving. How amazing!
Voluntarily: Though Paul announced the need of the Jerusalemites, he did not twist their arms behind their backs. Paul wrote: “I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” It seems that Paul was so stunned by their liberality that he was unwilling to take their exceedingly generous gift. So they resolved to persuade Paul to accept their gift. They were very happy that they could minister to the need of the saints.
A little later in the same letter, Paul encouraged this spirit of voluntary spontaneity in our giving: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).
Selflessly: When they gave, they were not giving to make a name for themselves. In fact, no name is mentioned in this passage. Paul did not even mention which of the Macedonian churches contributed to the need. A great proof of Christian giving is anonymity. Unselfish giving does not seek publicity, but prefer to remain anonymous. Jesus said, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth” (Matthew 6:3).
Obediently: The final lesson we learn through the Macedonian churches is that giving is a matter of knowing God’s will and obeying it – “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” According to the Apostle Paul, such an unexpected contribution was the result of the Macedonians’ sensitivity and obedience towards God’s will. The reason why some people groan and moan when it comes to giving is that they are not keeping close to the Lord to know His will. When a need in the Lord’s work is announced, they argue against it and express their unhappiness over such a call even before they take time to consider the matter and pray about it. On the other hand, those who keep close to the Lord and constantly seek to know and do His will, will joyfully make contributions to God’s work. This is not only true in monetary gifts but also giving oneself in service.
Sermon Text: Psalm 47
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th July 2023
As a new semester of systematic study of God’s Word begins in FEBC and GBI, here are some biblical reasons (by way of reminder) why we should take advantage of every opportunity to have an in-depth study of God’s Word.
God has given us His Book, not to be kept for the bookshelf but to be read, searched, and studied. God expects us to understand all its truths. God said, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night” (Joshua 1:8a).
We don’t study the Bible merely to accumulate information about it, but for the purposes which God has made known in His Word.
Here are some of the purposes God has iterated in His Word for studying it:
1. That we may know God.
There is little we can know about God without His special revelation, the Bible. But with the Bible, we can know all that God has revealed about Himself. Through His words in the Bible, we can know the truths about God – His nature, attributes, works and will.
Some say they don’t need to study the Bible but just love Jesus. Without the knowledge of the Bible, no one can have the truth about Jesus. In John 5:39, Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” The Bible reveals Jesus and the eternal life that He gives to those who trust in Him. So, to know and love our divine Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, we must study and know the Scriptures. We cannot love Him sincerely without knowing the truth about Him from His Word.
2. That we may not err in our doctrine and practice.
To the Jews, specifically to the Sadducees who propagated the falsehood that there is no resurrection, Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29). We must study and know the truth to avoid embracing false doctrines and misconceptions in our spiritual pursuit.
Moreover, if we do not learn and be assured of the truths of the Bible, slowness of belief, conviction and confidence would plague even God’s people. The apostles of Christ, who did not fully know the Scriptures concerning Christ’s resurrection, could not have full conviction about it in the days following His resurrection. John 20:9 commented on their uncertainty about His resurrection, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” Their slowness of conviction about Christ’s resurrection was their lack of knowledge about the Scriptures’ teaching. When the Holy Spirit gave them the understanding of the Scriptures’ prophecies about Christ’s resurrection and the truth of that unmistakable event, they went forth all over the world and boldly declared that Christ rose according to the Scriptures (Acts 2:25-33; 13:30-37; 26:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 1:11).
3. That we may be perfected as God’s people.
2 Tim. 3:16-17 instructs us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” A proper understanding of God’s Word will result in believers’ sanctification and fruitfulness (cf. John 1:17; 15:3, 7-8).
4. That we may declare and defend His Word.
God wants us to declare and defend the Word. 2 Tim 4:2 says, “Preach the word” (cf. Rom. 10:8). How could Christians proclaim the Word without knowing it? We are also expected to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet 3:15b). Studying the Bible helps us tell others confidently and clearly His truths. Those who have learned His Word thoroughly can boldly declare His truths whenever God gives them opportunities to witness for Him.
Dear Pastor Koshy,
Greetings to you in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
Last Sunday, we celebrated the 17th anniversary of the mission church in Bohol, with Pastor Reggor as our speaker. Together with Pastor Reggor, brethren from TGCM-Cebu also came, and rendered a song to praise our Lord and for the congregation’s edification. Several of our church members’ friends and relatives participated in the Thanksgiving Service. Brethren from the outreach station in Anda, some Bible-study contacts from Candijay, and the young people from our new outreach station in Albur (Mr Bucio’s town) also came to join the service. The missionary couple and members of True Life BP Church, Trinidad, were also present.
I praise God for enabling all of them to come to church safely despite the heavy rain. We are very grateful for the blessed and fruitful time of gathering to worship God, and to thank Him for salvation, as well as for all His wonderful provision for our spiritual growth and extension of the Gospel work to neighbouring and distant towns / villages.
Only by God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness has the mission church in Bohol reached this far. All glory and honour belong to our God, who has sustained the mission church in Bohol for the last 17 years. The congregation of GBPC, Bohol, and I thank our God for using you, dear Pastor, together with the Board of Elders and the brethren of Gethsemane BP Church, Singapore, to support the missionary and work of the mission church. We appreciate your continued prayers and support.
All glory be to God!
In Christ,
Pr Edsel Locot
Sermon Text: Psalm 130
Speaker: Reverend Sujith Samuel
Date: 9th July 2023
(In view of Gethsemane Youth Choir’s 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on 9th July 2023.)
The church consists of children, youths, adults and old folks. Hence, the New Testament specifically addressed the children and youths in the early churches to instruct them on their conduct and service (e.g. Eph. 6:1-3; 1 Tim. 5:1-2; 2 Tim 2:22; Titus 2:4-6; 1 Pet 5:5; 1 John 2:13-14). The participation and involvement of all believing youths in the church’s life and ministry, according to the biblical guidelines, is assumed in the New Testament. The youths’ ecclesiastical commitment to the worship and service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ should always be considered a vital matter by every biblical church.
Redeemed young people have always been expected to be part of the congregational worship of God – “Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven” (Ps 148:12-13). Every believing youth should praise the Lord with exuberant joy. The church’s young people must give of their best to their Redeemer and Master in worship and service. Let their youthful days of strength and beauty be dedicated to the praise of their Creator and Saviour.
Christian youths of the early church were encouraged to function in all aspects of the church ministry, according to each one’s giftedness and maturity, with the highest spiritual integrity, dedication and courage. For example, the apostle Paul told Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). May all our young people rise in love and zeal for their Lord Jesus Christ, like some of the renowned young saints of old time – Joseph, David, Daniel, Obadiah, Josiah, Timothy, the four daughters of Philip the evangelist, among others.
The purpose of the church choirs, including the youth choir, is not to celebrate the music / singing abilities of members, but the glory of our God, His truths and His works. Church choirs sing not merely for the pleasure of man’s ears, but that the Lord Jesus Christ be exalted in the ears of every hearer. Otherwise, our singing, though it pleases man, would be a total affront to God. Therefore, the rendition of songs in a God-honouring manner would mean much more than their melodious presentation.
Surely, much effort has been made to practise the songs and be ready for tonight’s song presentation. Nonetheless, our youths have been constantly reminded during their fellowship meetings and through frequent exhortations and admonitions, that their hearts must be clean and always dedicated to pleasing the Lord. We thank God for every one of the youths in our church who seek to honour the Lord with their lives and service.
God cannot be pleased with the music of the hypocrites who present external rendering of worship without a godly spirit. Through Amos the prophet, the LORD declared, “Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols” (Amos 5:23). May our songs be from genuine hearts of humility, repentance, faith, and reverence for our God.
Brethren, let us come together with our friends this evening, and join our youths to praise the saving name of our Redeemer and Lord! May the LORD bless our youths as they sing, that they may say all the days of their lives: “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth” (Psalm 71:5).
Sermon Text: Psalm 46
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd July 2023
(If you are asked to explain the Gospel briefly, do you know what to say? Learn from the article below, and be ready to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who ask of you).
The Gospel points sinners to the God-sent Saviour, Jesus Christ. His name, “Jesus”, denotes that “he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). During His public ministry, Jesus declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The Gospel is the message of God’s kingdom. It is conveyed with the great authority of God, the Almighty King. It is the message of His love and grace for the salvation of sinners. To neglect the Gospel message is to defy the only living and true God, and His gracious message of salvation.
In Luke 13, Jesus warned twice, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). Some may even question whether such a statement should be considered “Gospel” (or “Good News”). However, when we consider it as a warning from our gracious Saviour, we will know it is good news. Jesus asserted to all His hearers, “repent ye” (Mark 1:15b). Likewise, the apostles declared, “now (God) commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30b).
Repentance involves: (i) one’s acknowledgment that he is a sinner; (ii) one’s confession of his sins; (iii) one’s admission of his guilt that he deserves God’s just wrath of eternal damnation in hell; and (iv) one’s pleading for God’s mercy and gracious provision of His forgiveness. Repentance is not a mere feeling of remorse about our sins, but a turning away from our sins to Christ.
True salvation occurs when we, in desperation, turn from sin to Christ with a willingness to have Him save and lead our lives. On our own, we are rendered helpless and doomed by our sins. So, when we are convicted of our sins and damnation, and are called by the Gospel, we must quickly repent and turn to Christ for salvation.
Jesus not only said, “repent ye”, but also to “believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15c). The Gospel is all about Jesus Christ and what He has done for our salvation on the cross of Calvary. The Gospel is depicted 11 times in the New Testament as “the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16; 15:19, 29; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Cor. 9:13; 2 Cor. 10:14; Gal. 1:7; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 3:2).
Let us take note of the apostle Paul’s presentation of the Gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”.
The Bible commands and promises: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31); and “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9).
Only Jesus Christ did act to deliver us from our sins and judgment. As Paul testified in Ephesians 5:2, “… Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Therefore, “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). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).
Scripture says Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Our Lord Jesus, who died and rose again to redeem us, liberates us from the power of sin, world and Satan, that we may serve Him in righteousness. Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:18).
As we follow Christ daily in confident trust, He will guide us away from our sins by His Word to do all His good pleasure (“good works” – Tit.2:14). Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). He also promised, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29).
All who are truly saved will turn from sin to Christ, so He may take control of their lives. They do not trust in themselves. They will not follow their own thoughts and ambitions, which are fleshly and worldly. Instead, they give themselves to know and do what the Lord has willed concerning them. They will yield their lives to Christ to worship and serve Him. Instead of sin, Christ’s good pleasure will characterise all saved lives.