Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th April 2023
Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 4:13–18
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th April 2023
There will be a temple during the millennial reign of Christ. We read in Zechariah 6:12–13, “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”
The temple mentioned in the above prophetical revelation is not yet built. It is clearly stated that the temple of this prophecy is to be built by none other than “The BRANCH”, who is Jesus Christ Himself. In several prophetical passages, Christ is referred to as “the Branch” who will sit on the throne of David to rule the world. “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isa. 11:1). “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jer. 23:5; cf. Luke 1:32–33).
We know that the Branch, the Lord Jesus Christ, built none of the two temples of the past. Nor would he be implicated in the erecting of the tribulation temple. Therefore, we can expect a fourth temple to be built when Christ returns.
Ezekiel’s Prophecy of the Millennial Temple
The fourth temple that will be built – during the millennial rule of Christ – is also known as “Ezekiel’s Temple”, for the temple and its system of worship are described in great detail by Ezekiel the prophet (Ezek 40–46). Some interpreters reject the literal meaning of Ezekiel 40–48, and view the description as figurative of the New Testament Church. They go to great lengths to explain away the measurements and specifications of the temple building. Such a symbolic view seems forced. A natural reading of the text points to a literal physical temple. The golden rule of interpretation is: “When the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense.”
Some suggest that the plans were for a temple to replace the first temple which the Babylonians had destroyed. But the structure of the second temple did not match the one described in Ezekiel 40–46. The natural conclusion is that Ezekiel’s record of the temple is prophetic. Since this prophecy of the temple is set in the context of Israel’s national and spiritual restoration at the beginning of the millennium, we conclude that it is a millennial temple. Moreover, other prophetical books also reveal facts about the millennial temple and the offering of sacrifices.
Besides Ezekiel 40–46, other prophecies in the Bible talk about a millennial temple. Consider the following:
“Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him” (Isa 56:6–8).
“In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually” (Jer 33:15–18).
“For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things. I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen” (Ezek 20:40-41).
“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles” (Zech 14:16).
What Will the Future Millennial Temple Be Like?
The final eight chapters of the Book prophesy the future millennial temple that will be built. Israel does not have a temple now. But when Christ returns to reign from Jerusalem, there shall be a glorious temple. Here are some of its major aspects:
It will be a temple like no other. No building has ever been built like the one described in Ezekiel 40:1–46:24. This fact proves that it still has to be in the future.
The temple will be filled with the LORD’s glory. Ezekiel describes a picture of the “glory of the LORD” entering into His temple, which he had previously seen as departing from the temple of his day (Ezek 43:1–5; cf. 11:23).
The temple will be the place of the LORD’s throne. Ezekiel also wrote about the voice of God that declared that this temple will be “the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever ...” (Ezek 43:7).
There will be feasts and sacrifices. In Ezekiel 40, burnt offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings are mentioned (40:39). The bullock, the he-goat, and the ram are to be offered (43:19–25). The blood is to be sprinkled on the altar (43:18). The meat offering is also incorporated (42:13). Morning sacrifices will be offered daily (46:13). The priests who are Levites are to officiate (43:19). Moreover, several feasts will also be instituted. The Passover feast will be observed again (45:21–25), and annually the feast of tabernacles will be commemorated (45:25). The year of Jubilee will be observed too (43:4–5).
The millennial sacrificial order appears very similar to the Aaronic sacrificial order. However, there are many significant differences between them. In the new millennial order, some of the significant features of the old sacrificial system will be changed or deleted. Not only has the temple’s measurements changed, but also the holy places have hardly anything like the furniture that had stood in the Tabernacle of Moses or the Temple of Solomon. We also observe that not all Levites will serve as priests, but only the sons of Zadok. (Zadok was a priest loyal to David and Solomon in times of rebellion against their rule. Zadok thus stands representative of the priesthood in association with the king of God’s choice and with the millennial kingdom as established by Him in David’s seed.) The Zadokian priesthood in the millennium thus differs significantly from the Aaronic priesthood.
It is also significant to note that many things that were part of the earlier temples are not mentioned as being part of the future. For example, there is no ark of the covenant, no pot of manna, no rod of Aaron, no tables of the Law, no cherubim, no mercy-seat, no golden candlestick, no shewbread, no veil, no unapproachable Holy of Holies where the high priest alone might enter, no high priest, no evening sacrifice, etc.
Although those things are absent, there are new things added to the millennial temple and its order. They are the glory of the Lord entering and abiding forever, the living waters that flow from beneath the altar, wonderful trees of healing, new distribution of land according to the 12 tribes, etc.
How can a sacrificial system exist when Christ has already died to atone for sins? There are those who object to a sacrificial system in the millennium. Their argument is that the idea of a sacrificial system in the millennium would mean that Christ’s atoning death was insufficient. It would be a reinstatement of a system that was abolished by Christ’s death. In answer to this, it must be made clear that animal sacrifices are not necessary for salvation. In the Old Testament, none was saved by trusting in animal sacrifices. The sacrifices served only as types and symbols. They point to Christ and His death. Similarly, in the millennium, none would be trusting in animal sacrifices for atonement. Scripture clearly teaches that it is only when the Jews repent and look to Jesus as the only Redeemer that they are delivered from all their sins and tribulations. The millennial sacrifices do not save. They function as reminders. They remind people of what Christ had already done on the cross.
Those who object to a millennial temple believe that the Old Testament sacrifices, which have been abrogated in the church age, would never be reinstated. But, as we noted earlier, it is incorrect to say that the millennial sacrificial system is exactly the same as that of the Old Testament. There are similarities and differences. The marked differences show us that the millennial sacrifices will be unique and distinct in their features (see Ezek 40:1–46:24; Isa 56:7; 66:20–23; Jer 33:18; Zech 14:16–21; Mal 3:3–4). However, the purpose is the same—not to offer a means of salvation, but to serve as a memorial of Christ’s death. Therefore, the millennial sacrifices will not minimise but maximise the importance and necessity of the cross-work of Christ.
There is another objection to a literal millennial temple in Jerusalem. The question is raised: Is it not impossible to build a temple of Ezekiel’s description at the ancient site? The temple area described by Ezekiel is larger than that of the ancient temple. However, Scripture records that the topography of Jerusalem will change when Christ returns. For instance, Mount Olives will split open, making a valley that runs through the land from east to west (Zech 14:4). Ezekiel’s description of the renewed city of the millennium portrays vast changes to it, including a river running out of it to the east and west (Ezek. 47:1–12). This surely would provide the space necessary for the millennial temple.
God’s Word shall be utterly fulfilled. The Lord told Ezekiel to pay attention to and declare all that was shown to him. “Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel” (Ezek. 40:4).
The prophecy was to encourage the Jewish people with the promise of Jerusalem’s restoration and glory under the Messiah’s reign. It also educates us about our Lord’s omniscience, omnipotence and faithfulness that will cause all His words to be fulfilled.
Sermon Text: 2 Corinthians 6:14–7:1
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 23rd April 2023
Gethsemane Bible Institute (GBI) classes on Ezekiel just ended last week. We thank God for all who attended it. The climax of the study of the Book was its prophetical description of a future temple, which we refer to as the Millennial Temple. Here is an overview of the Temples of Israel.
Temples of the Past
There were two temples in the past. Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, which was eventually destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 586 BC. Some 70 years later, Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, built the second temple and the walls of the city. This second temple was greatly enlarged and expanded by Herod the Great who recruited about 10,000 labourers to work on the second temple. It was in this latter temple that Jesus was dedicated. There He taught the Jews many a time, and cast out the money-changers on two occasions.
Jesus also predicted its destruction: “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matt 24:1–2). As prophesied, the second temple was destroyed in AD 70 by the Roman general Titus.
The Temple Mount of the Present
Since AD 70, the Jews have no temple. This situation was predicted by Hosea the prophet in 746 BC: “For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days” (Hosea 3:4-5).
In AD 634, the temple mount was taken over by the Muslims. In 1099, the Crusaders captured it and turned the mosques into churches. Saladin returned it to Arab rule in 1187. The Jews liberated the temple mount from Jordanian control in the Six-Day War of 1967, but later returned it to the custody of the Muslim Waqf (Jordan). Today, the “Dome of the Rock” is situated near the centre of the temple mount, with the Al Aqsa Mosque built at its southern end.
Temples of the Future
There will be two temples in Jerusalem. The first will exist in the seven-year tribulation period, and the second in the millennial period.
The Tribulation Temple
During the tribulation period, there will be a place of sacrifice for the Jews, which the Antichrist will eventually desecrate. In Daniel 9:27, we read that the Antichrist (“the prince”) “shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”. The word “week” literally means “seven”. In the context of this verse, it refers to a seven-year period which will begin when Antichrist makes a covenant with the Jews. But in the middle of that period (i.e. after three and a half years), he will break his covenant with the Jews by ending their sacrifices and desecrating their place of worship. Though the word “temple” does not appear in Daniel 9:27, other Scripture portions that deal with the last days indicate the presence of a “temple” in Jerusalem. Jesus, in His message on the end times, foretold that the “abomination of desolation”, already mentioned in Daniel 9:27, shall desecrate “the holy place” (Matt 24:15).
What could Jesus have meant by the phrase “the holy place”? In the only other New Testament passage where the phrase is used, it plainly refers to the temple itself (Acts 21:28). David also referred to the temple as the Lord’s holy place (Ps 24:3). Moreover, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, Paul said that the Antichrist will desecrate the temple: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” Therefore, we conclude that there will be a temple in Jerusalem during the tribulation period – just as Daniel, Jesus and Paul had predicted.
(Next week, more on the future millennial temple.)
Dear Pastor,
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
By God’s grace, we have some brethren regularly coming for our worship services. It has been our prayer and desire to teach them basic Bible doctrines, and add them to the communicant membership of the church. We managed to conduct two batches of “Basic Bible Knowledge” catechism class thus far. Those who finished these lessons have been given membership in our church on last Lord’s Day. All in, nine members who are part of the English services in City and Kotapadu have been given membership. We look forward to conducting catechism classes for Telugu worshippers in their local language, and issuing membership for them too. In the early church, members who became part of the church continued gathering even daily in houses for worship. They remained in fellowship with the church “with gladness and singleness of heart”. The Lord also added more members to the church (Acts 2:46-47). Please pray that all of us who become part of the church here, will also grow in the Lord and in the fellowship of the church.
We are coming to the end of another semester in the Gethsemane Bible Institute (GBI). Three students (Palivela Bujjibabu, Anand Taneti and Doddi Chinnarao), who have just finished their courses, will be graduating this year. We are planning for the Graduation and Thanksgiving Service on 3rd May 2023. Thank you for confirming your availability to visit us and preach during this service. We look forward to the reopening of the college in July 2023. We do have some new enquiries (for admission to GBI) from other states like Odisha and Meghalaya. Hope that these students will be able to seek enrolment soon, and join us for the upcoming semester.
Incidentally, the owner of the premises, which we currently use for GBI in Kotapadu, is preparing to sell the school and land. I heard from him that he is in the final stages of documentation work to take advance and sell it. It seems that he will officially finish the sale within four or five months. Please do pray for the provision of a new place for the college. I will be looking for suitable places available for rental during this term break.
We are grateful for the prayers and support of the church for the ministry here. May the Lord continue to bless the ministries of the church in Singapore and in other parts of the world.
In Christ,
Sujith Samuel
Sermon Text: Psalm 41
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th April 2023
Proverbs 10:2a cautions us: “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing”. This warning is more pertinent than ever before. Countries, organisations and individuals who once advocated and promoted a morally upright way of life, and who also flourished economically, today appear to have lost their determination and mettle to continue in the same perspective about life. In the name of economic security and progress, immorality and destructive lifestyles are accommodated everywhere. This tolerance of an immoral lifestyle for economic reasons will not bring any true gain, according to the Bible.
The Hebrew word for “treasures” (אֹוצָר [ʾowtsar]) refers to wealth and possessions. “Treasures” are often mentioned as God’s gift, and as His reward to His servants. The Bible promises “treasures” to those who will love God and live by His Word. For instance, Proverbs 15:6a says, “In the house of the righteous is much treasure”. Likewise, Proverbs 21:20 affirms, “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise”. Therefore, treasure (or wealth) is in itself not evil.
However, if wealth is regarded above all other matters of life, especially spiritual and moral principles and duties, it becomes an evil thing. So says Scripture: “Labour not to be rich” (Proverbs 23:4). It is a great evil to give pre-eminence to affluence and prosperity. Scripture also warns, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him” (Proverbs 28:22). So, let our conviction be thus: “Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Proverbs 28:6)!
“Treasures of wickedness” refers to ill-gotten wealth. Greed and covetousness lead man to earn money through all kinds of unjust, deceptive, violent, sensual and cruel methods. “Treasures of wickedness” are the fruits of selfish desires.
That kind of wealth which men get unjustly will do them no good, because God will blast it. Proverbs 22:16 says that there is one that “oppresseth the poor to increase his riches”. There are also those who borrow much to appear rich (cf. Proverbs 13:7a), thus making themselves enslaved to worry and work.
Proverbs 13:11 warns against “wealth gotten by vanity”. It is referring to wealth gotten through greedy and wicked means; such will prove to be of no lasting value. James 5:1-5 decries such wealth gained through vain means — “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”
“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.” Such rancid wealth rots the heart of the one who gets it, and it cannot save one from his ultimate demise. Righteousness, however, is a far more precious treasure. The righteousness of the Eternal God – a gift endowed on us by grace through faith – is greater than the limits imposed by our mortality, and it is powerful enough to redeem our souls from death.
“Treasures of wickedness” may dazzle and furnish a greedy heart with gratification. The treasures of wicked people – even the treasures which they have acquired through wicked or ungodly means – will profit nothing, no matter how safely they are laid up. They will profit neither the soul nor the body. They will not secure any true comfort or happiness. Instead, such treasures, gained through wicked means, will bring much trouble and sorrow!
Dear readers, keep yourselves away from every ungodly and filthy place set up to provide jobs and businesses. The money they offer may be huge and very attractive, but do not forget the warnings of God’s Word. Working in such places can destroy you, your family, friends and others. It is better to be poor and pure than wealthy and filthy.
Abigail Chung
Being in a Christian family, my parents have always faithfully brought my siblings and me to church every week to attend worship services and fellowship meetings. I thank the Lord that my parents have been strict with my spiritual growth from young. My family came from a traditional Methodist background, and my mother tried for several years to find a more suitable church for my family’s spiritual growth. I thank the Lord that my mother came across Calvary Kuching BPC back in 2015 “by accident”, when she went to a nearby bank. In the beginning, it was difficult to be accustomed to BPC’s lengthier worship services; I was still young and was used to attending shorter services in our previous Methodist church, so sitting through the service was arduous. I thank God for granting me strength and patience during this transition.
As I grew older, my understanding of God’s Word increased. But this led to new challenges. In secondary school, I was often asked, “Is Jesus real?” and “Can you prove that he is real?” I had many non-believing friends, and they raised many questions about Christianity. I’ve tried to answer as much as I could, but at times the things they said seemed to make more sense, which caused me to waver. I was often made fun of for being the “Christian girl”, because I turned down many group hangouts during the weekends to attend church activities. Before this, I was certain that I loved and trusted in Jesus Christ, but I realised that I lacked earnestness and sincerity. I was not reading God’s Word every day and often fell into temptation. I’ve also started to doubt the words of the Bible. But as I continued attending church services, I came to understand that this was a trial for me. During this difficult time, I’ve learned to look to God and pray for guidance and wisdom. I also became more aware of my sins and the need for Christ, the Saviour, whom I trusted for salvation. I am grateful for the assurance of salvation that Jesus gave me through His Word. “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me” (Psalm 7:1).
I thank the Lord for guiding me to Gethsemane BPC, and giving me the opportunity to study God’s Word weekly. I thank God that I am able to attend the Youth Fellowship and serve Him in the youth choir. Through Pastor Koshy’s teaching and Catechism lessons (by elders), I realise the importance of taking my stand as a Christian. The world will not get any better, and it is crucial that, as God’s children, we will not be swayed by worldly distractions. I pray that I will continue to have trust in the Lord and not allow worldly distractions to draw me away from serving and loving Him. I also pray that the Lord will help me to guide more people, especially my close friends and relatives, to believe in the Lord.
God’s love for us is so great that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins, to grant us everlasting life. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. 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” (John 3:15-16).
Hans Lee
“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).
I am grateful for the various different struggles that God has put me through in my life. Whatever they be, I thank God I still trusted and relied on Him. Having godly parents and being in a Bible-teaching church certainly help me in this regard. I thank God for my parents’ teaching, which I think have laid the foundation for me to further understand the teachings during the Catechism Class, especially on the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). I understand a lot more about the acronym ‘TULIP’ and many other things that I’ve learned from the WCF. So, I am really thankful for both parents and church leaders, who teach me the ways of the Lord.
I’m also thankful for the lessons learnt from Youth Fellowship meetings, which help me understand more about discipleship and spiritual vigilance. One thing that I feel that I have not been doing is following God’s will. I sometimes follow my own desires when deciding on major things. But from the Catechism Class, I now understand that I must follow God’s will. I acknowledge that my salvation is only through Jesus Christ, that I am a sinner and that Jesus died for sinners to save us from our sins. As such, I trust in God to lead me all the way through trials and testings. To end my testimony, I like to draw inspiration from Jesus’ example – “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).
Nathanael Chung
Growing up in a Christian family, going to church easily became a routine for me. My parents are faithful to the Lord and they took my siblings and me to church weekly, without fail. However, my childish idea of a church was that it was a place where I could play with friends, and where sermons and children’s Bible classes were simply background programme. My parents often told me stories from the Bible and helped me memorise parts of Scripture, but the precious meaning never sank in until much later.
After moving to Kuching, I joined my school’s Christian Fellowship group, but it didn’t bring me any closer to God. Eventually, God led my family to Calvary Kuching BPC, where my spiritual eyes were opened through video recordings of Pastor Koshy’s sermons, as well as preachers who flew over to minister to us. I started to have an interest in the Word of God. After moving back to Singapore and attending Gethsemane BPC, I can still feel my love for hearing His Word grow more and more. I’m thankful to God for Pastor Koshy and the many preachers and elders who are devoted to serving Him, especially Pr Samson.
I thank the Lord for saving me and I am learning to fully trust Him with all my troubles, for He is the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God. The Lord has been gracious to bless me with many blessings, such as godly parents and a God-honouring church, despite my many sins and spiritual shortcomings. He has helped me resist following my worldly friends down a worldly path, even giving me the opportunity to share the Gospel with some of them. Praise God for sending His only Son to die in our place, that we may have the gift of salvation and eternal life. May my faith not falter, and I pray the Lord will continue to lead me in my spiritual walk with Him, for He is my Shepherd.
Goh Xin Yi
Growing up in a Christian family, I have been taught by my God-fearing parents to love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul and all my might. Even though I had been exposed to biblical doctrine at a tender age, learning about the truths and Gospel preached, I felt I was still lacking something: the desire to find out more of God’s truths. There were countless times when I felt lost, when I could not resolve my troubles not only in school but also troubles that were all bottled up inside me. Instead of going to the Lord in prayer, I would often try to find a way out through listening to music. However, I felt that the content in the music I listened to was in fact not biblical, but actually erroneous and not God-honouring.
Slowly, I felt myself drifting away further and backsliding, which in turn caused me to act a lot like my non-Christian schoolmates for a period of time and made me seriously doubt my salvation. I felt the need to change, and I am thankful that God has called me back to His flock. Through the series of lessons in the Catechism Class, I learnt precious spiritual lessons that have changed not only my mindset, but also rekindled my love towards learning more about God and His truths. As Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Indeed, even though I have sought the forgiveness of my Lord, this verse reminds me of how evil the heart is, serving as a lesson that I never want to forget and repeat. All praise and glory be to God!
Isaiah Wong
Growing up, I always thought I was different, for I am homeschooled. Now, I appreciate why my parents made that decision. I understand that they wanted to expose God’s Word to me at an early age, that I may have a strong and firm foundation in the Lord, and not be too greatly influenced by the world and its devices. I am truly grateful for all the godly influences in my life – God-fearing parents at home, godly examples in church and, most importantly, God’s Word, the Bible. I only realised I was a sinner and that all have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), when God pricked my heart through the messages from the Bible and from admonitions of godly people.
Now I can say, “I am a sinner saved by grace!” Praise be to God! My prayer is that I will continue to bear a good testimony and to live my life for the Lord. Knowing that all things of this temporal world will come to an end, except the Word of God, may I echo the words of Jim Elliot, that my life may be so – “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” As the psalmist says, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified” (Psalm 70:4; cf. 40:16). Amen!
Parousia Chan
My name “Parousia” was given to me by my parents as they wanted me to look to the “Coming” of the Lord. When I was young, I did not give much thought to its significance even though I understood its meaning. Over the years, as many teachers and friends have commented that my name is unique, its significance slowly dawns upon me.
I thank the Lord that I was brought up in a Christian family. Since young, my parents have been bringing me to attend Sunday services, prayer meetings, GCM sessions, and other activities organised by the church. These gave me an early exposure to Bible truths, which led me to confess my sins and trust in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to redeem me.
As I grew older, I started to encounter people who have ungodly views and behaviour in school and other places that I frequent. At times, they could be very influential and it is a challenge for me to uphold a good Christian testimony. However, through the Word ministered clearly by our pastor and preachers in church services and Youth Fellowship meetings that I regularly attend, I have gained a deeper understanding of the doctrines and commandments in the Bible, and have understood that I have to separate myself from the world – “for what fellowship … hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor 6:14). I am encouraged by the fact that Jesus has promised to send the Holy Spirit to believers, who will guide us and prompt us to turn back to Him when we have sinned.
I also thank God for the recent Catechism Class that I attended, where Eld Francis and Eld Choy reinforced in us the key doctrines of our Christian faith, including the signs of the last days (warning us to be ready for the Lord’s “Parousia”) and the characteristics of the true Christian church. I pray that I will continue to place my trust in God and grow in my walk with Him. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is” (Jeremiah 17:7).
1 Corinthians 15:3b-4 "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 resurrection of Jesus Christ is a very important doctrine of our Christian faith. Some of the important implications of Christ’s resurrection are mentioned below:
Asher Vijayandran
“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
I was born and raised in a Hindu family, praying and offering sacrifices to idols. Growing up, like most of the teens in my neighbourhood, I started mixing around with bad company. I joined gangs and started smoking and drinking. I even became very rebellious and strayed to the wrong path, engaging in all kinds of illegal activities, including peddling of drugs on the streets. Soon, I started abusing drugs and became addicted myself. My parents detested me and my siblings wished I were dead. I failed in my responsibility as a son and a brother. All I cared for was my friends in the drug circle. Because of my drug addiction, I’d been in and out of prison 6 times!
On my second last “visit” (i.e. my 5th time) to prison where I was sentenced 2 years, I started attending Chapel and Bible services inside prison, but I wasn’t too serious about it. Upon my release in 2013, one of my childhood friends, Rufus, kept talking to me about Jesus and his church. During that time, I was going through a lot of financial and social problems, I started drinking a lot and also consuming a lot of depression pills. Out of desperation one day, I “blindly” followed my friend Rufus to this big church called “New Creation Church”. During the worship, I felt so guilty about what kind of person I was and whatever I did in my life. The pastor, after preaching about “Love of God Calling Sinners to Repentance and New Life in Christ”, asked who wanted to accept Christ. I immediately put up my hand and repeated the sinner’s prayer. After that church service, I signed up for water baptism, and I was baptized in New Creation Church on 17 May 2014.
Though a new Christian, I wasn’t really serious in my walk with God. I just thought it was “cool” being a Christian worshipping in a mega church. I really didn’t understand the truth of God’s salvation work. New Creation Church kept preaching about the Gospel of grace, and that we need not worry about our current and future sins because Jesus had paid for them at the cross. I took it somehow as a licence to sin because I had the misguided confidence that whatever sins I did, Jesus will forgive them. I backslided, and somehow went back to my old ways. Soon, I stopped attending church and chose to spend time with my drug circle friends once more. Sadly, I was back on drugs and again ended up in prison (for the 6th time). At that point of time, my family really gave up all hope on me. They even said that the so-called Hindu gods were angry and were punishing me for becoming a Christian. I knew I deserved all the bad things they said about me, but it really pained me and made me feel so guilty when they despised Christianity because I had brought shame to it.
That was when I went on my knees inside my prison cell and cried out to God. I asked God for forgiveness and told Him to guide me henceforth. I started reading my Bible every day, as well as attending the in-prison Bible Study conducted by Pr Kelvin from Gethsemane BPC. Slowly, Pr Kelvin guided me and taught me God’s Word. God also gave me a strong desire to read His Word. When I was out of prison and came to “The Helping Hand” for my rehabilitation programme, I continued to keep in touch with Pr Kelvin, who invited me to Gethsemane Church a few months later. I thank God for this church and for Pastor Koshy who expounds God’s Word accurately and teaches us without fear or favour. My belief system and way of thinking changed as I was impacted by the messages, week after week in Gethsemane. I really am so grateful to the Lord for Gethsemane that I decided to be a member after a year of attending the church. By the grace of God, I have faithfully attended all of the lessons of the Catechism Class.
During this Catechism Class, I have learnt much truth from God’s Word. I’ve learnt much about Creation and the origin of man; about what sin is and how much God hates sin; about our Lord Jesus Christ’ life, death and resurrection; about God’s plan of salvation; about bearing a good testimony for Christ and prayer; about the end-times and the Lord’s return. Through this Catechism Class, I have been taught the doctrinal stand of GBPC, as opposed to the false teachings of the Charismatic Movement.
I have learnt a lot after attending Gethsemane. God has opened my eyes to His Truth. I really want to thank God for His grace and mercy for me that have found and met me at the lowest point in my life. As broken relationships in my family are being restored, I want my family to witness my redeemed life and see the living God working in my life. God has opened a way for me to take part-time courses at FEBC. I want to encourage more brothers like me who are in the bondage of drugs and are suffering silently. I pray that God will show mercy on all these souls that I will be reaching out to. I am so grateful to God, and the leaders of this church for working so hard for Christ. I want to be a part of Gethsemane Church. Finally, after learning the truth about baptism and the reason why we believers have to go through it, I sincerely wish to be baptized and continue growing here as well. May God answer my heartfelt prayer, and may His “goodness and mercy … follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).
Valentina Quezon
I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family in the Philippines. I grew up, being surrounded with non-Christian friends influencing me to drink and do many worldly things. In year 2017, I was invited to a Christian church, where by the power of God’s Word preached by the pastor, I believe in Jesus that day. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. I rejoiced in this verse and was convicted that Jesus is the only way for me to be saved as a sinner.
In 2021, the Lord answered my prayer and led me to Singapore to work as a domestic helper. Deep in my heart I felt something missing, as I wanted to go to church and worship God but didn’t know how. One day, I met Asher Vijay on Facebook, where he invited me to worship at GBPC. When I first attended GBPC on 24 March 2022, I was impressed by the warm and welcoming church people, who also invited me to attend GFF. For a foreigner like me coming from overseas to work here, this felt like “home” to me. By continually attending GBPC, I got to know more and more of God’s truth in His Word. Pastor Koshy’s preaching is very encouraging and motivating for me as a new believer. It helps me to learn to walk more closely with the Lord, and not in the ways of the world.
God has put a desire in my heart to attend the Catechism Class, and I thank God for the opportunity to learn His Word, and for such a blessing for my spiritual life. Thank God for the church elders who teach this Catechism Class. Through the true teaching of the Bible, I began to understand many church doctrines and Gospel truths which I previously didn’t know about. God showed me how much He loved and cared for me by sending His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life that I cannot live. Though I have been living a sinful life, yet because of His love for me, He died a horrific death on the cross for my past, present and future sins. He thus became my Substitute for my sins. I know that I have been living a selfish life of materialistic ambitions and self-delusion. I’ve cried to God, and I repent of my sins and surrender my life to Him. Not only I must believe, but I must also surrender everything to Him, and follow Him by obeying His words and commandments. I will trust and love Jesus with all my heart, and mind, and strength, because He has loved me first.
Though difficulties and struggles may come, and relationships may fail, I will trust in Him. I do not know what the future holds for me, but I know my heavenly Father holds my future. “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). I thank God for GBPC and for all His faithful servants. To God be the glory and honour.
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