Sermon Text: Psalm 45
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 25th June 2023
Sermon Text: Psalm 45
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 25th June 2023
Selflessness and a sympathetic heart are key traits of every effective Christian in church ministries. The church comprises people of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, and with different levels of spiritual maturity. Paul instructs the Corinthian Christians in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 that they, like him, must be ever willing to accommodate the differences of others “for the gospel’s sake”, so that they might “gain them” for Christ!
Paul was a Jew through and through, having had a prestigious Jewish education under the tutelage of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). If such was his Jewish heritage, why did Paul say, “unto the Jews I became as a Jew” (1 Cor 9:20a)? Here, Paul refers to the Jewish customs and practices which were rigidly and religiously practised by Jews, such as circumcision and other ceremonial and civil observances. Paul knew and taught that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature” (Galatians 6:15). Yet, at the early stage of the New Testament Church, when in the presence of a hostile Jewish crowd, Paul conceded to Timothy being circumcised (Acts 16:3). Later on, Paul shaved his head as part of his vow to attend the feast at Jerusalem (Acts 18:18). These are examples of Jewish customs that Paul was willing to accommodate, so that he may win the Jews’ acceptance and slowly teach them the better “law to Christ” (1 Cor 9:21). When ministering to the Gentiles (“them that are without law”), Paul did not coerce the Gentiles to circumcise and observe Jewish feasts, for the Gospel did not necessitate those observances. Hence, Paul opposed Peter, who compelled the Gentiles to live as the Jews (Galatians 2:14). We see a very careful and wise Paul who adapted to the various contexts, but never at the expense of the truth of the Gospel. In reaching out to others, Paul never compromised the Gospel and always displayed much care and concern to bring its truths to both Jews and Gentiles.
Paul’s affectionate care is seen particularly in his treatment of the spiritually weak. He says, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak” (1 Cor 9:22a). Paul neither encouraged believers’ lack of faith nor joined in their sinful acts. But when establishing young believers in the faith, Paul would abstain from certain foods, so they would not be stumbled (1 Cor 8:13). On other occasions, he exhorted believers to bear each other’s burdens and patiently restore the weak to the church’s fellowship (Gal 6:1-5). Every Bible-adhering Christian must not stand aloof to the struggles of fellow believers. For the sake of Christ and as an expression of the love we have first received, let us care for the weak and those who are afflicted. Christians must commit to being affectionate and accommodating of others. We must be vigilant against cultural or national pride, even spiritual pride, which would prevent us from going out of our comfort zones to minister, encourage and fellowship with others.
Remember, the purpose for Paul’s commitment was never to establish a name for himself, but for the name of Christ, “And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Cor 9:23).
Learning from Paul’s exhortation and example, the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship will organise a year-end retreat to Cebu and Bohol from 18 to 22 December 2023. We pray that all participants will be selfless, sympathetic, accommodating and affectionate as we strengthen our fellowship with brethren in the Visayas churches. As announced by Pastor last Sunday, the total retreat fee, including the group-booking airfare, is no small amount. Nonetheless, we trust and pray for God’s timely provisions, so that 80 brethren can participate in this trip to encourage our brethren in Cebu City, Bogo, San Antonio, Tagbilaran City, Anda and Candijay. The theme for this retreat is: “Prepare to Meet Thy God”, a phrase taken from Amos 4:12. Our prayer is that these messages will prepare our young people for the second coming of Christ. In the season of Christmas, the Gospel will be presented in remembrance of His first coming as our Saviour, and in preparation for His second coming as our Judge and King. Furthermore, the youth choir will be enlisted every evening to sing specially selected hymns at each location. Certainly, there will be much travelling by air, land and sea. Hence, we prayerfully commit the planning and preparations for the retreat, as well as the safety and protection of our participants, to our Sovereign God.
I thank God for last week’s opportunity to visit Rev Reggor, Pr Edsel, their families and their congregations in Cebu and Bohol, respectively. Elder Low Boon Siang joined me on this recce trip from June 13-15. Though a short visit of three days, our trip was fruitful and fulfilling, for we met up with some whom we did not see for a long while, and with others whom we saw regularly in our Gethsemane Fellowships over Zoom during the Pandemic. Elder Low and I attended the prayer meetings in Cebu (Tuesday night) and Bohol (Wednesday night), and our fellowship with them was very sweet! We went there with a desire to encourage the brethren, and we went away being very much encouraged ourselves, having heard testimonies of the persevering faith of some amidst different setbacks in recent years.
Borrowing the pen of Paul, we conclude with both thanksgiving and prayer – “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13).
This we do, for Christ’s sake, that others may be blessed, just as we have been blessed.
This we give, for the Gospel’s sake, that others may receive, just as we have received.
This we sing, for Christ’s sake, that others may be edified, just as we have been edified.
This we shared, for Christ’s sake, that others may be encouraged, just as others have shared with us.
This burden we bear, for Christ’s sake, that we may bear one another’s burden, just as others have borne our burdens.
This place we go, for the Gospel’s sake, that others may be saved or strengthened, just as we have been saved and likewise strengthened.
May the LORD use this retreat to unite us to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). To facilitate planning, I urge all to quickly sign up for the year-end youth retreat in the Philippines!
As God’s people, our lives must be dedicated to His glory. We are chosen and saved, “that we should be to the praise of his glory” (Eph. 1:12a). We are to yield ourselves to be instruments of His honour, glory and praise.
“For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God’s” (1 Cor. 6:20). Christians’ bodies are God’s temple, and a temple is for worship. All things done in the temple are unto the glory of God. Our bodies, therefore, are only for the purpose of God’s glory and honour.
“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God” (1 Cor. 10:31). Even in the most mundane routines of life, like ordinary eating and drinking, we must seek to honour and glorify our God. His glory is to be our life’s commitment. It is the purpose of our whole life, which now belongs to the Lord because we have been “bought with a price” (1 Cor. 6:20; cf. 7:23). Not only when we eat or drink, but in whatever we do, we should do all to the glory of God.
The first question and answer in The Shorter Catechism are: “What is the chief end of man? Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever.” The most honourable and commendable thing a Christian can do is to be totally absorbed in doing all things in life for His glory. That is the perspective of the true worshipper, the one who truly glorifies God.
It is to encourage and help us to glorify Him that God gave us His promises - “For all the promises of God in him (Christ) are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us” (2 Cor. 1:20). All the great and precious promises are given so that we may be stirred in our hearts to live for His glory. As a church and as individuals, let us remember: “Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Eph. 3:21).
Dear friends in the Lord,
By God’s will, I have returned to my family and church in peace on Wednesday morning (14 Jun 2023), after spending time in Singapore and Indonesia for the church camp of Gethsemane BPC, Singapore. May God bless you for the love you have shown me while I was with you.
I was very happy during my time in Indonesia hearing the Word of God being expounded by different preachers, especially the messages under the topic, “Be Spiritually-Minded”. Our pastor’s lessons were touching and alarming to many of us. The fifteen points he shared with us from the Scriptures are so wonderful and helpful for our spiritual growth. I also decided that I would share the blessings I received through those messages with our church members in a series of sermons during our Sunday worship services. Indeed, the recent camp was a wonderful church gathering. May God bless all who shared the Word.
I also want to thank Pastor Koshy and his family, who welcomed and hosted me in their house, and treated me as their brother. May God bless them. Again, I thank all of you who have shown me your love in different ways.
Finally, I thank the Lord for helping me to share His Word with you. All glory be to the Lord!
(A brief report compiled from the letters of Pastor Donald dela Cruz)
I praise the Lord for enabling and sustaining the mission church in Pangasinan for the past 9 years. We celebrated our 9th Anniversary Thanksgiving last Lord’s Day with a simple get-together. We ordered catered lunch and shared the meal in the worship hall. The rain was pouring in the morning, but stopped during lunchtime. Praise the Lord for enabling us to have fellowship!
Please view a video clip of the anniversary occasion in the link below. The video shows God’s faithfulness, as testified by the recent events in the mission station. We showed the video to the congregation last Lord’s Day. The video was prepared by Bro Jumar and his wife, Sis Olive. I praise the Lord for enabling them to produce this video clip: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1TTsWgaVMsa4GQihgYWM7EwqqXNlRfldp/view?usp=drive_link
I praise the Lord for enabling my nephew to graduate from senior high school. My mom came from Negros to attend his graduation. We also attended his graduation ceremony yesterday to show our support. We have been helping my nephew in his studies here in Pangasinan for the last two years. His parents can hardly support his studies, and I praise the Lord for enabling my family to help them. He will be going to Manila to attend college, and will stay in my younger brother’s home …
Meanwhile, I praise the Lord for helping me and my family prepare for ministering God’s Word in Melbourne. I will preach in the Youth Camp of Bethel BP Church. We will be leaving on June 29, and will return on July 12.
Sermon Text: Psalm 44
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th June 2023
We have much to thank God for – especially for the manifold blessings that we received during last week’s church camp (5-9 June 2023). The LORD’s goodness was abundantly evident in all aspects of the camp. We remember everyone who have laboured with sincerity and love for the smooth running of the camp (organising, logistics, music, chairing, preaching, etc.), for the safety and health of all the participants, and for the encouragement and edification of all through fellowship and acts of kindness. Above all, thank God for enabling His servants to teach God’s Word, so that our hearts may be renewed and revived to live a spiritually-minded, prayerful life of love and service in these end times – as we look forward to the coming of our Lord and Saviour.
While “the carnal mind is enmity against God” (Rom. 8:7a) and amounts to “death” (Rom. 8:6a), “to be spiritually minded is life and peace” (Rom. 8:6b). Those who live unashamedly according to their unregenerated, carnal self are in a state of spiritual death, which will culminate in eternal death or “second death” (Rev 21:8). All those who have sincerely turned to Christ in repentance and faith are indwelt by the Holy Spirit, that they may live as spiritually-minded people.
Spiritual-mindedness comes through Spirit-given beliefs from the Bible. A spiritually-minded person acts on spiritual convictions that the Spirit gives according to His truths, which He has revealed in God’s Word. Such spiritual convictions stem not from personal feelings, thoughts, preferences, or opinions. Neither are they natural convictions resulting from external sources of people, occasions, or experiences. The source of our spiritual-mindedness is the Holy Spirit. “For they that are after the flesh do mind the things of the flesh; but they that are after the Spirit the things of the Spirit” (Romans 8:5).
In every regenerated person, the Holy Spirit works to exert His spiritual principles. He instructs the saints and leads them according to His Word. “There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit” (Romans 8:1). “For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” (Romans 8:14).
Because all the regenerated people now still live in their sin-marred bodies, they will encounter “fleshly lusts, which war against the soul” (1 Peter 2:11). Paul spoke of this great conflict he had within him in Romans 7:23 – “But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Here, “the law of my mind” that Paul mentioned is the spiritual or biblical principles of his mind as a Christian. But in the members of his body, he experienced a “law of sin”, or the carnal principle of the flesh that exerts its enslaving control. However, he says, “I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin.” Like Paul, all genuine Christians can thank God for the enabling (and experience) of the Holy Spirit’s help to serve the Lord with spiritual-mindedness – though “the law of sin” works continually through our “flesh” or body.
Cultivating Spiritual-Mindedness
Our minds must therefore be carefully guarded against carnal influences and be guided according to biblical truths, in order to live a life pleasing to God as His spiritual people. Scripture cautions us in Proverbs 4:23, “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Scripture instructs us to diligently keep and guard our heart / mind because “the issues of life” come out of it.
The following 15 biblical exhortations must be carefully observed so as to keep ourselves spiritually-minded:
Sermon Text: Psalm 43
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 11th June 2023
Sermon Text: Psalm 42
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 4th June 2023
My last trip to the Philippines was four years ago. Visiting our mission churches in the Visayas region of the Philippines had been a burning desire for some time. By His grace, after boarding a midnight flight last Saturday, my wife and I reached Cebu on Sunday at 5.30am. We were joyfully received at the airport by Pastor Reggor Galarpe. He took us to a small, cosy hotel near our church in Cebu City. We quickly freshened up and had breakfast. Bro Allan Ebarle came in his car at 9am to take us to church for the morning worship service, which starts at 9.30am. The congregation was seated and ready for worship when we entered the church. Soon, the worship began with Pastor Reggor leading the service, and I was called upon to minister the Word. After the worship, we had a wonderful time of fellowship with the Cebu brethren.
Praise God that most members have continued in the faith and service of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord also added some new brethren to the church. We are grateful for Pastor Reggor’s labour for the Master in the ministries of the church, TGCM and GBI.
By 1pm, Rev Reggor drove us in the new church van (from an anonymous giver) to our next worship service – San Antonio – where a combined service of the two small congregations north of Cebu Island was arranged by Eld Eliezer Ortega, who ministers God’s Word among them. On the way, we visited Eld Richard Tiu, who had undergone surgery to remove a tumour from his liver. Seeing that God has graciously given him much recovery and relief, I exhorted him to serve the LORD faithfully. After the warm fellowship extended to us by his family, we journeyed north with some brethren from TGCM, who joined us in the church van for the trip to San Antonio. Four other families from the Cebu church drove up in their vehicles to join the combined worship. All arrived safely by 4pm, and soon the worship service began. I ministered the Word during the service. We were much encouraged to see that the brethren have been steadfast and persevering in their faith and service amidst the many trials they face in life.
After a sumptuous evening meal prepared by the brethren in San Antonio and a blessed time of fellowship, we started our journey back to Cebu at about 7.30pm. Everyone returned safely to Cebu by 10.15pm. The Lord granted us a good night’s rest for our tired bodies.
The next day, Monday morning, at 9am, Bro Allan fetched us, together with Pastor Reggor, to the ferry terminal and sent us on our journey by sea to Bohol Island. Pastor Reggor joined Carolyn and me on this visit to Bohol. Though there was a gale warning (maritime weather warnings) due to a typhoon passing through that region, the Lord gave us a smooth journey to Bohol. We spent time in the mission church with Pr Edsel, his wife Sis Juvy, and their daughter Eunice (19 months old). We heard their testimonies and reports of the various outreaches in far-flung places like Anda, Candijay and Trinidad. We thanked God for sustaining and using them for His glory. Sis Juvy served us lunch, which she had so lovingly prepared. We were much nourished and refreshed! We then checked into a nearby hotel for a short rest and returned to the mission church at 5.30pm for the fellowship meeting. Almost all the members arrived by 6.15pm. In the meeting, I exhorted them from the Word to bear unashamed testimony for the Lord. We rejoiced in communing with one another, and enjoyed the post-fellowship meal with the brethren.
Early next morning, at 4.30am, we left the hotel for the ferry terminal to travel back to Cebu City, and then to the airport to return to Singapore. We were thankful that the ferry was allowed to leave as the previous night’s ferry was cancelled due to a gale warning. However, our ferry ride was not without incident. Soon after leaving the port, the boat ran into powerful waves. When huge waves kept slamming against the boat, it started to lean more and more towards one side. The boat was considerably slow and battered by the waves for a while. There was great fear in the hearts of many on board, from whom screaming and loud prayers could be heard. On the other hand, we thank God for the peace and safety throughout the several minutes (probably about 20 minutes) of tremulous experience during that voyage. Providentially, I was led to think of some experiences in our Christian life and ministry as being like the rough and violent period of that two-hour sea voyage.
Brethren, I urge you to continue to pray for God’s servants who lead the work, that they will remain prayerful and faithful to Him. Their life and ministry have been tested by many difficult circumstances over the past four years. Pray for the younger ones (children of the first generation of members) that they will resist the world and be overcomers. (By the way, our Youth Fellowship is looking into the possibility of having a retreat in Cebu or Bohol in December. Pr Cornelius and Eld Low will visit Cebu next week to recce for the retreat. Remember them in your prayers.)
Concerning the Macedonian churches, the apostle Paul commended, “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Cor. 8:2). The apostle was citing those churches as an example of generosity that the Corinthian church should know and follow.
Their liberality was the fruit of God’s grace in their hearts.
In verse 1, Paul introduced the generosity of the Macedonian churches as manifestation of “the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia”. Their generosity was the fruit and evidence of God’s grace operating in their hearts. One of the effects of God’s grace that had saved them and continued to sanctify their minds, was their willingness to give generously and sacrificially to the needs of God’s people and churches everywhere. They were mindful of those in need, especially other believers.
Their liberality was shown amid great afflictions.
While they were “in a great trial of affliction” (v. 2a), the Macedonian churches expressed the spirit of generosity. Their afflictions were by no means small. The three words that Paul used, speak of the severity of their afflictions. The Greek word for “great” (polus) means “much” or “many”, and indicates the extreme nature of their ordeal. The Greek word for “trial” (dokim) refers to their ordeal as a severe test. The word “affliction” (thlipsis) literally refers to pressure, as in crushing olives or grapes. It describes the constraining, crushing weight of persecution and poverty that most Macedonian churches endured. Paul specifically noted that they were experiencing “deep poverty” (v. 2c). However, they did not let their suffering negatively affect their attitude of giving for others’ needs. Amid their trials, they put the needs of others first. They considered the care of other believers and churches as more urgent than that of their own needs. By God’s grace working in them, they rose above their afflictions to show charity.
Their liberality was extended with great joy.
The Macedonian churches were sincerely rejoicing that they could extend help in a generous manner. In fact, Paul says, “the abundance of their joy … abounded”. The Greek word for “abundance” means “a surplus” or “an overflow”. The Macedonians were abounding in their generosity without reluctance or grudging. They did not talk or act like they were under duress to give their support to others. They gave spontaneously and gladly, knowing that it was God’s will concerning them.
Their liberality was not restricted by their poverty.
The Macedonian believers were impoverished, so Paul depicted their condition as “deep poverty”. The word “deep” translates the Greek phrase kata bathos, and it corresponds to the English expressions, “the pits” or “rock bottom”. The Greek word Paul used for “poverty” (ptōcheia) indicates that they had almost nothing, and were utterly impoverished. How amazing it was that they were giving cheerfully despite their dismal economic condition. If they were so poor, how could they abound in their giving? It must be that they fully trusted God to provide for their own needs, when they parted with the little in order to relieve others’ needs. Their liberality was the result of great faith and utter selflessness.
Their liberality was overflowing.
Paul testified that the Macedonian churches “abounded unto the riches of their liberality”. The Greek word for “abounded” (perisseúō) implies that their generosity is overflowing. Scripture uses it to describe the surplus goods of the rich (Mark 12:44), an abundance of material possessions (Luke 12:15), etc. The word “riches” (ploutos), though referring to material wealth, is very commonly used in the New Testament to depict spiritual riches as well (cf. Eph. 1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16; Phil. 4:19; Col. 1:27; 2:2; Heb. 11:26). It appears that here, too, the spiritual richness of the Macedonian believers is referred to. Though they were materially poor, they were super-abundant in their liberality. The Greek word for “liberality” (haplótēs) has meanings such as “simplicity”, “purity”, “sincerity”, “faithfulness”, and “plenitude”. Paul’s use of this word indicates that the Macedonian churches were sincere or single-minded in their giving. Because they were single-minded to do God’s pleasure even in their crippling circumstances, they became generous. Double-minded people, on the other hand, will be worried about their own concerns and reluctant to part with the little they have in hard times. The Macedonian churches’ selfless generosity was evidence of their total devotion to Christ and His kingdom.
Conclusion
May we, too, be guided by a similar consecration as the Macedonian churches in serving our Lord and His kingdom. If all of us in Gethsemane would look not only on our own things, but also on the things of others, surely we too can be a great blessing to the lives and ministries of many thousands of God’s people and many churches around the world. May God help us to be a blessing to others.
Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 21st May 2023