Sermon Text: Psalm 45
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 25th June 2023
Sermon Text: Psalm 45
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 25th June 2023
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.
Report by Pr Jeremiah Sim
The Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry praise and thank the Lord for His grace and mercy upon its members. As we recollect and commemorate 18 years of God’s goodness, care and faithfulness upon this ministry, we can’t help but to rejoice and be glad, like the psalmist who declared in Psalm 111:1-4, “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.”
It has been almost 4 years of restriction in meeting and travelling, due to the Covid virus forbidding us to travel abroad. Nonetheless, we rejoice and thank the Lord that this year, the restriction has been lifted, which enable us to travel to Malaysia. We are therefore able to hold our second Seniors’ Retreat at Holiday Inn Hotel, JB, Malaysia, in conjunction with the 18th Anniversary Thanksgiving of Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry. (We thank God for 43 participants in all.) Needless to say, the seniors were overwhelmed with joy in their hearts, as they have been earnestly looking forward to this 3 day-2 night retreat. We praise God for the much effort made for the smooth execution of the entire retreat. May God bless all the laborious efforts and logistical arrangements behind the scenes, as well as the labour of love put in by those brethren involved in much planning. We thank the Lord for aiding them in this whole retreat.
On the actual day of departure, we gathered joyfully with excitement at the Eunos open-air carpark near the MRT station at 9.15am, and prayed to the Lord for journey-mercies before we boarded the coach. The coach then proceeded to the second pick-up point at the Kranji MRT station area to fetch the rest of the brethren, before heading to Holiday Inn Hotel, JB, Malaysia. Praise God for His divine aid to bring us safely to the hotel, as well as for our safe return to Singapore after this retreat. Truly, this calls to our remembrance the apostle Paul’s words in Philippians 4:6 – “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.”
Having received our hotel room card-keys, we had some free time till 6pm, when we had a sumptuous dinner. Thereafter, we had our first service at 8pm. It was wonderful to witness not only the elderly, but also the teens who had joined us, raising our voices in one accord to glorify God with our singing. After that, we received our first message from Pastor Koshy, who preached from the Matthew 5:13-16, on the topic: “Salt and Light”. We were taught that as Christians, we are to influence others by our testimonies, and also to live our lives for the edification of the saints. After the service, we proceeded to have our refreshments amid fellowship, whereby we encouraged and exhorted one another in the Lord.
On Day 2 of our retreat, our worship began at 8.45am with singspiration. Throughout the day. Pastor continued to teach us from Matthew 5:13-16. As “salt and light”, we must be prepared always to declare the Gospel and God’s marvellous works to the people of this generation. We truly thank the Lord for the three messages of Day 2, which not only assured and strengthened us, but further reminded us that we have this incomparable privilege (as God’s children) to declare His truths.
On the final day before we make our way back to Singapore, we continued with our worship from 8am onwards, followed by Pastor’s 5th message from Matthew 5:13-16. He taught us that as light of the world, we must be ever ready to shine for the Lord and not shy away from His Gospel truth. We must seek the Lord to help us expose the errors of others and declare His truthful message.
After the 5th message, we had “testimony time”, where several brethren (namely Dns Diana Chan, Sis. Miriam Wong, Bro. Ong Chin, Sis. Kim Lei and Pr Jeremiah Sim) gratefully testified of the Lord’s grace and goodness upon their lives and their loved ones. Their encouraging testimonies have indeed stirred the hearts of many of those present to give glory and honour to God too. After our lunch, we checked out from the hotel at 2pm, and arrived back safe and sound in Singapore around 4pm.
Throughout these 3 days, the seniors put into practice what they have learned by encouraging one another in the Lord. Many of them have been helpful to care for and help those who were feeble and not so mobile. Certainly, we thank the Lord for His protection throughout in our travelling. All praise be unto God!
Ng Jui Keng
I am blessed to be one of the 40 plus ‘old folks’ who attended the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry Retreat (26-28 April 2023), held at the JB Holiday Inn. We were privileged to have a few ‘younger’ members joining us who were very helpful towards those needing assistance. Thank God for these brethren – who indeed proved to be living examples of “salt and light”.
It was a joy and blessing for me to meet and interact with a number of our more aged members over meals, refreshments, chit-chat sessions and short walks (during the afternoon free time). There is nothing like spending a few days together to have several relaxing and heart-to-heart conversations with various brethren at different times.
On a spiritual level, I was particularly struck by Pastor Koshy’s statement that “being ‘salt and light’ to both the Christian and non-Christian communities, is not optional but a command from Jesus”. In Matt 5:3-10, Jesus taught us how we are to live our lives according to the Beatitudes’ instructions. In Matt 5:11-12, Jesus warns us that the world will mock and persecute us as their worldview is contrary to what the Beatitudes teach. In the midst of this, we are commanded in Matt 5:13-16 to be “salt” in our interaction with the world, and to be “light” in pointing to Jesus Christ as well as sharing the Good News. As Jesus has said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).
As “salt”, we must exhibit purity in speech and life. Through holy living, we can demonstrate the preservation impact of salt, as the world can receive peace and grace from God through our obedience to His Word. (A direct impact is the reduction of bitterness and moral decay in the community.) “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God” (Rom 12:2).
Ong Chin (translated from Chinese to English)
“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 107:1).
I want to praise God for bringing us to attend this 18th Anniversary Thanksgiving Retreat of the Senior’s Ministry. Praise God for allowing our pastor, Pastor Koshy, to preach God’s Word to us, on the topic: “The Salt of the World and the Light of the World”. This is the duty of all Christians and how all of us must strive to be. I, together with my wife, have learnt much from this retreat. Praise God also for the fellowship we had together with the brothers and sisters in Christ. Praise God!
Hannah Wong
1 Thessalonians 5:18 says, “In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you.”
I would like to thank God for granting me the opportunity to accompany my grandparents to attend the Seniors’ Ministry 18th Anniversary Thanksgiving Retreat. Praise God for the safety He has granted to each and every one of the participants, especially to the elderly folks. Praise God also for the fellowship that we had with one another during the free time. I am thankful to God for Pr Jeremiah, Elder Mah and the rest of the organisers who helped make the retreat a smooth one, especially when there were some problems on the first day.
Thank God also for the fruitful time of listening to God’s Word, whereby I have learnt much from the preaching by Pastor Koshy on the theme: “Salt and Light”, based on Matthew 5:13-16. As salt and light of the world, Christians must be effective, useful vessels of God, bringing ‘taste’ and ‘light’ to the world around us, so that our testimony may be a blessing to many. We are saved to serve, and not saved to be served. I pray that I will be a shining light to those around me, both in the present and in the future. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).
Mary Pang
“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13).
Because of the lack of refrigeration in the early days, salt was used to preserve food (especially meat), which would quickly spoil in a hot environment. Believers in Christ are like “preservatives” to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men, whose unredeemed nature go hand in hand with corruption by sin. (cf. Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8).
The analogy of light to the world teaches us that the good works of Christ’s followers are to “shine” for all to see. Matthew 5:14-16 highlight this truth: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The presence of Christians must be like a light in the darkness, bringing light to sinful men and doing good deeds which ought to be evident for all to see. Only by remaining focused on Christ and being obedient to Him, can we expect to remain as “salt and light” in the world.
Kim Lei
I have been truly blessed by fellowshipping with members of our Seniors’ Ministry for the past one decade. The Lord had done great things to our seniors in our midst. They are sober, humble, peaceable, loving and compassionate to one another. May the name of the Lord be magnified. “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head” (Prov 20:29).
Being directed by the Lord to be involved with the Seniors’ Ministry has helped me to grow spiritually. I learnt how to interact with the elderly, how to comfort them when they are struggling with their health issues, loneliness and distress, how to assure them of the Lord’s comfort and presence in their every situation. Thank God also for the faithful preaching of our leaders (Pr. Jeremiah, Eld Mah and Pr. Daniel), as well as their care and patience towards every one of us in this ministry.
Praise the Lord for enabling Pastor Koshy to teach us during the retreat on the topic: ‘Salt and Light’, based on Matthew 5:13-16. Thank the Lord for reminding me that the Lord sent light while I was in the valley of darkness. I also learnt that:
We should not be a “hidden” Christian, but be wise to be “light” to help others. “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward” (Isa 58:8).
We should be useful “salt”, to bring flavour to His people. We should live as a peacemaker with a pure heart, by following the example of our Lord Jesus.
May the Lord bless our seniors for many more years, that they may worship Him and serve Him as ‘salt and light’ for His glory.
Yin May Nee
I am very thankful to God that my mother, her caregiver and I could attend the retreat. Truly, thank God that none fell ill or had any accident (like falls) during the retreat, especially since we’re having the retreat amid another Covid infection wave, coupled with occasional heavy rainfall during the afternoon break (when many elderly brethren left the hotel for short walkabouts in the nearby shopping mall).
The topic of “Salt & Light”, preached by Pastor Koshy, was a timely reminder to all that it’s appointed unto us by Christ to be the “salt of the earth and light of the world”, despite our frailty as we age. To be “salt”, we are to influence quietly through prayers, being self-sacrificial in love, being pure-hearted and useful – much like salt which dissolves in the food, thus making it tasty. Furthermore, there are times when God wants us to shine our “light” through Jesus – by standing up against the darkness of sins in this world, sharing the Gospel and making ourselves a blessing to others. That means we cannot be a dim light, but be shining brightly for Christ when God wants us to do so. We are reminded that we are saved to serve both God and men, as well as to care for others more than ourselves.
Praise the Lord that the messages were preached in English, and translated to Mandarin by Pr Daniel Lim, so that even our Chinese-speaking seniors could benefit from them. All praise and glory to God!
Sermon Text: 1 Thessalonians 5:1–11
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 21st May 2023