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From Slavery to Sonship

Sermon Text: Galatians 4:1–7
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 12th September 2021

(Sermon starts around 38:00)

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All the Children of God

Sermon Text: Galatians 3:26–29
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 5th September 2021

(Sermon starts around 51:36)

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Testimonies of Young People Who Affirmed Their Faith

Lim Joash
Having grown up in a Christian family, I thank God that my parents have faithfully brought me to church since I was young. As a child, I had the privilege of attending Junior Worship (JW), Children's Bible Study (CBS) and the Gethsemane Children's Ministry (GCM). It was through attending JW that I first learnt the truths of God’s Word. Every week, “uncles” and “aunties” in Christ would patiently teach us the Word from particular passages in the Bible. I thank God for the JW and GCM lessons, where I was able to learn many Bible truths, and even for the CBS lessons, where we learnt from the Westminster Shorter Catechism. I learnt that I am a sinner, and that God gave His only begotten Son to save me so that I can have everlasting life (cf. John 3:16), and that I must believe in Him.

As I grew older, I moved on to the English Worship Service, where Pastor Koshy and (occasionally) other faithful preachers would bring us the Word every Sunday. I thank God for their diligent efforts and for the opportunity to learn from His Word weekly. I thank God also that as a youth, I am able to participate in the Youth Fellowship and serve in the Youth Choir. I praise God for the fellowship that I can have with fellow godly youths and for the lessons that I can learn from the older godly youths, through such means of grace.

What led me to make this decision to reaffirm my faith was actually the “Harmony of the Gospels” course conducted during FEBC’s Daily Vacation Bible College in December 2020. Through this course, I learnt much, especially about the importance of defending the doctrines of Verbal Plenary Preservation (VPP) and Verbal Plenary Inspiration (VPI). Realising how the world attacks the Bible and these doctrines today, it is crucial that as Christians, we do not be swayed by these ungodly men. The Bible is the perfect Word of God, and these doctrines are supported by Scriptural proofs, such as Psalm 12:6-7. Yet more importantly, this course led me to realise how important it is for me to take my stand as a Christian and defend the truth. So, I have decided to take this step to reaffirm my faith publicly and take my stand for the Lord. Thank God for granting me the grace to go through the catechism class smoothly, and I pray that I will continue to grow in the faith and love Him more and more.

Grace Ho
Being born into a Christian family, I regularly attended church since infancy. I had the privilege of attending worship services, prayer meetings, fellowship meetings, children’s programmes, and many other activities organised by the church. From young, I always enjoyed coming to church to learn about God’s Word, and fellowshipping with like-minded God’s children. From my childhood all the way to the end of Secondary 2, I had always believed that I was saved. I would tell myself that since I often attended church, participated regularly and enjoyed coming to church, I was automatically saved. Yes, I had heard about Christ, I had heard about salvation. I was certain that I loved Christ. However, as I became older, it occurred to me that even though I loved Christ and His commandments, I lacked a sort of sincerity. In my heart, I knew that I wanted to be saved. Yet deep down, I knew that I wasn’t, because I still disobeyed God and continued in my wilful ways.

In Secondary 3, I felt God speaking to me in a way that I had never felt before. Whenever I disobeyed Him, I would feel agonised within me. Words cannot express my pain. I was scared of going to hell! Sometimes, I would even have tears in my eyes as I thought of the many times I’d disobeyed and, in doing so, pained God and those around me. From that time onwards, when I attend church, my heart would feel lighter, as if a burden had been taken away from me. Singing hymns, listening to God’s Word being preached, praying to God, all bring into my heart an indescribable joy. The thought of meeting God in Heaven fills my mind frequently. I would anticipate to see God in Heaven. I am now certain that I am saved – for I yearn to learn more about Him, to serve and honour God and His commandments, to obey Him in whatever I do, to be a shining light for Him in this world of darkness. “That ye may be blameless and harmless, the sons of God, without rebuke, in the midst of a crooked and perverse nation, among whom ye shine as lights in the world” (Philippians 2:15).

I am extremely thankful for the godly leaders in our church, especially for Pastor Koshy who preaches faithfully to the church. In addition, I am thankful for the elders, deacons and preachers who are always willing to minister to us. In particular, I am grateful for the catechism classes led by Eld Francis and Eld Choy; the classes have taught me much knowledge about basic doctrines of the Christian faith. Lastly, I am thankful for God-honouring parents who never fail to instruct and correct me in the right way.

As a Christian, I purposed in my heart to bear a good testimony in my life. I pray that I will always seek God before acting, and that I will put God as first in my life. I pray that I will be a good testimony to those around me, especially my non-believing friends in secondary school, so that they may see the power of God in my life. Lastly, I pray that I will obey God in all aspects of my life, that I will not allow my earthly desires to take hold of me and cause me to detract from my spiritual duties.

May God keep me in His way! All glory be to God!

Elle Ruth Lee
I grew up in a Christian home with godly parents. I thank God that in our upbringing, my siblings and I were made to attend church every Sunday, to do devotions regularly and to learn and to trust in God.

          However, now that I’m in my early teens, I face many challenges and doubts in school. I could see that my classmates are constantly doing ungodly things that contradicted the Scriptures. For a period of time, I was confused about what was right and what was wrong. As I regularly attended Sunday service and fellowship gatherings, by God’s grace, I was able to understand that this was a trial for me. I prayed and acknowledged that this was God’s trial for me. I was encouraged when I turned to the Bible and encountered the verse: “Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation” (Matthew 26:41a). It comforted me and I knew that God is with me, guiding me throughout my testing. From then on, whenever I have a doubt, I would pray silently in my heart for God’s guidance and I could really sense God working in my heart. God is helping me to be discerning and to walk away from that which is ungodly and wrong. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God” (Ephesians 2:8). Knowing that my faith comes from God helps me to be firm, and not wavering, in my faith.

            I thank God for my family and for the church. I acknowledge that I am a sinner and that I am saved only through Him. I have accepted God as my own personal Saviour, and I thank God for His goodness and grace upon me. I pray that I will continue to have faith in Him and serve Him fervently.

Joshua Low
I grew up in a Christian family, and my parents have been taking me and my sister to church to attend the different fellowships each week. We would say grace before dinner and prayers before bed. Though life was generally plain sailing, there were times when I really needed God’s guidance and counsel.

I think one of those times was during Primary 6, when I was struggling hard to get good grades and to do well. After getting my PSLE results, I was extremely sad and disappointed. I was confused about how things had turned out. During that disheartening period, I prayed and repented of my transgression (of not putting God first); I realised that Jesus is my only Savior and He is in control of everything. God has always been there to help me whenever I pray for help and guidance, something which I am eternally grateful for. Romans 8:28 never fails to lift up my spirit “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are called according to his purpose.” I am constantly reminded that whatever trials may come my way, I should persevere in Christ and put my faith in Him.

When I first entered secondary school, I had difficulty finding friends. However, after some praying, I found out that I was not the only Christian in my class and soon, good friendships were forged. God has helped me in many ways, and this is just one example of Him helping me. These friends constantly reminded me that we need to always bear a good testimony for Christ to our non-Christian classmates.

One of my favorite Bible verses is John 3:16 – “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.” God gave His only begotten Son, Jesus, to be a sacrifice for our sins, so that we would have everlasting life because of God’s love for us. It clear that only God can save us from our sins and grant us everlasting life. There is no greater love than this. I thank God that I am saved, but I have many relatives, including my grandparents, who still do not know God. I pray that one day, their hearts will soften and accept Jesus into their lives.

To conclude, God has helped me many times in my life, whether it be in studies or understanding the Bible. The only way to honour Him is to obey and worship Him eternally.

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The Purpose of the Law

Sermon Text: Galatians 3:19–25
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 29th August 2021

(Sermon starts around 51:50)

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Testimonies of New Members (II)

Bernard & Ruth Lim (Baptism)
“Delivered from the Erroneous Gospel!”
I was brought up in a family that devoutly attended the Pentecostal Missionary Church of Christ. From the age of 21, I had served in the church as an active “youth officer”. I even served two years full-time in a special ministry known as “Sacrifice Ministry”, by giving up my career as Operations Manager in the Apple Distributor Company in the Philippines. Even before I started my “Sacrifice Ministry,” I was actively inviting youths in my neighbourhood to the church, and I won many converts, including my nieces and nephews. As part of this ministry, we did our evangelistic work in fish ports, markets, buses, etc. During that time, I also taught in a school run by the church. In the process, I was appointed in the church as a national officer representative and was even awarded with the “Timothy Circle Award”, and being given the leadership of a church extension in Fort Bonifacio, Makati City. However, because of the financial needs of my family, after 2 years of “Sacrifice Ministry”, I decided to come to Singapore to build up my career so that I can support my family and the church. 

On the other hand, Bernard grew up in a Buddhist family as the youngest of 4 children. He did attend Christian churches occasionally but did not embrace the faith. When our paths crossed in June 2001, Bernard became more interested in Christianity. In 2002, he went to the Philippines to ask my father for my hand in marriage. We got married in March 2002. In December of the same year, our first son, Isaiah, was born. I received Singapore PR status in April 2003.

A few months later, a pastor of my church sought our assistance to open their mission in Singapore. They wanted to register the church in Singapore, and hence appointed both of us as key office bearers and official representatives of the church. During the first worship, held in our house in Ubi, Bernard was baptised and our firstborn (Isaiah) was dedicated. The church started to grow in number, and I was even appointed as an elder of the church in 2006. However, there were many worrying practices and requirements, which were contrary to the laws of Singapore. Bernard became more and more worried about the affairs within the church. In September 2017, we decided to leave the church, realising that we could no longer agree with many of the church’s decisions and actions which were not spiritual. Though it was a very troubling time, God was mercifully leading us away from the false teachings and practices of that church. “I have longed for thy salvation, O Lord; and thy law is my delight. Let my soul live, and it shall praise thee; and let thy judgments help me. I have gone astray like a lost sheep; seek thy servant; for I do not forget thy commandments” (Psalm 119:174-176).

In September 2019, exactly two years after we stopped attending the church worship, a group of Gethsemaneans, who were doing house-to-house evangelism in Ubi came by our house. They knocked on our doors and gave us the Gospel tracts and the church invitation pamphlets. Those who talked to us on that day were Bro Edwin Quek, and his daughter, Ruth. They were used by the Lord on that day to minister to our hearts. At that time, we were searching for a Pentecostal church for worship service. Our hearts were glad, when we received the invitation to Gethsemane B-P Church’s worship service. The following Sunday, Bernard and I came to the afternoon service of the Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship. We were welcomed warmly by the Filipino brethren, particularly Sis Joy, Bro Julius, and Bro Norefel. After the service, we went home with hearts filled with thanksgiving. The following Sunday, our whole family came and attended the worship service at 11am. We were blessed with the sanctity of the worship. When we heard Pastor Koshy preaching for the first time, my spirit was stirred up by the hope that is in every Christian. 

As a family, we thank God for His grace and mercy that led us to Gethsemane, where the leaders are committed to fervently teach the flock with the Scriptural truths to present everyone perfect in the Lord Jesus Christ. We are inspired to see that the church leaders were very mindful of putting into practice what the Word of God teaches. The boldness of the preaching, reminding brethren of every word of God, has indeed lifted our spiritual awareness and relationship with God.

Through the Catechism classes, sermons, fellowships meetings and BW retreats, we became aware of the errors of our previous church, such as baptismal regeneration, Charismatic and apostolic claims of the leaders, etc. We renounce them as false gospel, and trust in Christ’s atoning work on the cross and His righteousness for our salvation. We praise God for being guided to draw nearer unto God through the meditation of His Word, hearing of the past sermons in YouTube, listening to Bible Witness Radio, reading of the Bible Witness magazines and other biblical resources given to us, as well as through our morning and night devotions.

We acknowledge that as parents, we need the Lord’s guidance and the Holy Spirit’s assistance in our children’s spiritual convictions and growth. Both of us need to be well-established in the faith, that we may be a good example for them. This we truly seek with the Lord’s help to faithfully serve Him. “And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, choose you this day whom ye will serve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). 

We thank Pastor Koshy, the elders, preachers, deacons and members in the church for their warm, welcoming and supportive spirit. Now our hearts are filled with thanksgiving unto the Lord. Despite trials, our strength is in His Word and His promises, for He is a faithful God. To God be all the glory. Amen!

Isabel Ng (Transfer)
I thank my Lord Jesus Christ and God’s longsuffering towards me for saving this unworthy soul from eternal condemnation. Despite my rather inconsistent and unfaithful walk with God in several periods of my life, He remained faithful. “Know therefore that the LORD thy God, he is God, the faithful God, which keepeth covenant and mercy with them that love him and keep his commandments to a thousand generations” (Deuteronomy 7:9).

I came to know Christ in my secondary school. Some senior schoolmates befriended me and introduced me to Singapore Youth for Christ (SYFC), a para-church body which is actively working among youths in schools. Since it is para-church body, the work they undertake is rather ecumenical in spirit. I began attending SYFC meetings regularly, but in secret. My mother was particularly opposed to me becoming a Christian; she would throw my Bible into the rubbish chute whenever she saw one in the house. My parents also would not allow me to go to church every Sunday. When there was opportunity to go, I would visit a church near Bukit Panjang, which was attended by my SYFC senior whom I had regular Bible study with during my school days.

When I entered junior college, my ties with SYFC ceased, and I slipped into a 2-year period of spiritual dryness. But God did not forsake me. By God’s providence, He led me to Fundamental Christian Ministry (FCM) in the university I was studying, and I joined an evening Bible study under Rev Ronny Khoo. It was through FCM that I got to know about B-P churches, the first being Calvary Pandan BPC. In the early 2000, I started to worship at Calvary Pandan for a while. As I grew into young adulthood, the opposition from my parents got lesser. I shared the Gospel with my two younger sisters and brought them to Calvary Pandan for worship. We were not able to do it regularly as my parents were still against us wanting to be Christians.

Despite the good spiritual feeding in Calvary Pandan, I felt the church was too big and I left to worship at Calvary Jurong BPC (then under Rev James Chan).  In 2003, I was baptized and served in the church. I did what an obedient Christian would do – being regular in Tuesday’s prayer meeting, attended the YAF fellowship meetings, sang in the choir and volunteered time in AWANA (a children’s ministry). But I stumbled when it came to matters of the heart as a young adult. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). My own wilfulness in not waiting on God’s timing and rebelling against His good counsel concerning relationship, led me to walk away from His goodness and protection.

For the next 12 years, I lived but had no peace with God. Nevertheless, “The LORD is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression” (Numbers 14:18a). Despite those “lost years”, God’s providence directed me to confess and repent of all my sins. By His mercies, I came to Gethsemane B-P Church to seek Christ with my children and walk right with God again. I thank God for the faithful preaching and godly examples evident in the church leadership. Through Pastor Koshy’s tirelessly teaching, I see clearly and desire to do what God demands in His Word with respect to godly submission at home and being a joyful mother at God’s appointed place for me. As a homemaker, I seek to nurture my children in the ways of the Lord. May God keep me faithful henceforth till He calls me home.

Mickey Lee (Transfer)
I thank God for His love and mercy that He did not forget me when I kept away from Him. I was a teenager when I attended Bethel Assembly of God Church, a charismatic church. I was faithful in attending Sunday services, visitations and Bible study during my youth. But when I started working, I kept away from church and busily devoted my time to work and other activities. I was “in the wilderness” for many years.

My life was in a mess but the good Lord was gracious in bringing me back to His fold. I have two daughters; the elder one and her husband (my son-in-law) accepted the Lord as their personal Saviour in Melbourne, where they have settled down. My wife and I visited them quite often, during which time they brought me to church. I was surprised and touched that the church they are attending was also known as “Bethel”. I strongly believe the Lord was telling me that He still loves me and has not forgotten me, and was prompting me to return to His fold. Well, the Lord in His providence opened the door for me.

By His grace, my daughter arranged for me and my wife to attend a Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry meeting (held at Punggol) some 3 years ago. We were accompanied by Sis. Patricia (from Bethel B-P Church in Melbourne), who had come to Singapore to visit her family at that time. From then on, we have been attending Gethsemane B-P Church. Since my return to the Lord, I have repented and asked the Lord for His forgiveness. I have found peace and joy in the gracious and merciful Lord. He has sustained me all these years.

Ruben Skariah (Reaffirmation of Faith)
“I will praise thee; for I am fearfully and wonderfully made: marvellous are thy works; and that my soul knoweth right well” (Psalm 139:14).

I thank God for the marvellous grace He has shown me in my life. I thank God that I was born in a Christian family to godly parents, who would rebuke and correct me when I erred. From a young age, I got the opportunity to attend various fellowship meetings, church camps, seminars, missionary conferences and Bible Witness retreats in Gethsemane B-P Church.

Praise God for Gethsemane Children’s Ministry, where I have learnt many precious truths from God’s Word through the children’s programme every Saturday, Children’s Bible Study (CBS), and the children’s choir. Through the Saturday lessons by Pr Kelvin, I have learnt much from the Bible and have made friends with other children around my age. Through the CBS, I learnt the Shorter Catechism which has taught me Christian doctrines in a summarised manner. Through the children’s choir, I got the opportunity to glorify the Lord through singing. Truly, I’ve learnt and memorised many songs, which I still remember.

Praise the Lord also for Gethsemane Youth Fellowship, which has helped me to grow in the knowledge of God’s Word through the bimonthly meetings conducted by Pastor Koshy and Pr Cornelius, and the yearly youth retreats. Having opportunity to fellowship with older youths has encouraged me to press on for Him even when I face difficulties in school. I am also glad to be part of the Youth Choir, serving the Lord through singing.

The more I know of God through Pastor’s faithful preaching every Sunday, the more I have grown to love Him. I understood that “all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). At the same time, I am reminded through the promises of our loving heavenly Father that “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). I believe in the truths of the Bible and have accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour.

I pray that I would continue to love the Lord and submit myself to His will. I pray that I would grow more and more in the knowledge of Christ and follow Him all my life. “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).

Jesimiel Lim (Reaffirmation of Faith)
Growing up in the church and having known the Gospel since young is not an entitlement, but a privilege which I’m thankful to God for. I acknowledge that I am a sinner, and that I am helpless without God – for only He can forgive my sins and save me from “the miry clay”. I thank God for guiding me through all these years, as well as the countless blessings He has bestowed upon me, including the words of assurance from the Bible which greatly comfort me, like Psalm 46:1-2, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea”. This is one of the many Scriptures in song that has given me strength in the Lord during adversities, knowing that God is all powerful and will aid me in my time of need. I desire to walk closer to God every day, and keep my mind on God always so that I will not be spiritually lacking, and I won’t be a lacklustre Christian.

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Heirs of Changeless Covenantal Promises in Christ

Sermon Text: Galatians 3:15–18
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 22nd August 2021

(Sermon starts around 38:27)

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Testimonies of New Members

Sherra Ng (Baptism)
I come from a superstitious, Buddhist family. My mother believes in “feng shui” (geomancy), whereas my father believes that there is a Creator but rejects that He is perfectly good (as he had been bullied in school before by some so-called Christians for coming from a poor family). My eldest brother is more superstitious than my mother, while my second brother does not have any strong opinion for or against Christ.

My interest in Christianity began when a teacher in NAFA (Nanyang Academy of Fine Arts) first told me about the Book of Proverbs in the Bible. She asked me to read a chapter a day because Proverbs is a book full of wisdom. I did as told, and found it a very interesting collection, so I started reading from the Book of Genesis after reading Proverbs. I realised the Bible answers a lot of our moral questions; there are even things that my parents taught me, which the Bible tells us are wrong. Curious, I had a few discussions with my senior, a Christian, who eventually brought me to join the NAFA-Lasalle Bible Study of Gethsemane B-P Church.

After some time, the Gospel was shared to me. I made my decision to surrender myself to Christ because God teaches us to be godly people, and that’s only possible through Christ, the Saviour, who died to deliver us sinners (which all of us are though many of us are “good people” by the world’s standard). I then attended a church with a friend of mine for a while, where they did not sing hymns, but more of contemporary Christian songs, though not like pop concerts with electric guitars, drum sets and flashing lights. Then on one weekend, I was invited to the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship, where Pastor Koshy was preaching from the Book of Proverbs. Then I enquired about the Sunday service, and I attended a few of the worship services, before switching to live-streaming of the worship when “Circuit Breaker” kicked in.

Of course, my family was not happy with this news at first, especially my parents. My mother hung several religious objects in my room and all over the house, complete with a purple crystal ball placed on my desk. I took down those in my room and left the rest out of respect for her. Thank God, my parents are now fine with me regularly going to church, and are even willing to send me to Youth Fellowship meetings sometimes on the way to their workplace. My father even started reading the Old Testament after finding a Bible at home printed in Chinese. Praise God!

Celine Lim (Baptism)
I grew up in a Methodist church and attended services with my mother and sister from a young age. I was also in a Methodist school, being exposed to regular morning devotions as well as weekly chapels. I accepted the Lord and Saviour into my heart at the age of 14, through hearing a sermon being preached during one of my school chapel services “As it is written, There is none righteous, no, not one: There is none that understandeth, there is none that seeketh after God” (Romans 3:10-11). I came to understand the sinful nature within me, and that I was only able to be born again if I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Saviour. I realised all I had in this world would fade away, and nothing else could bring me joy except the Lord Jesus Christ. I started attending services more regularly and took more active participation in fellowship meetings.

However, soon I felt alone and discouraged in my walk with the Lord, as many around me slowly started leaving the church and the faith. Throughout my secondary school and JC days, I would visit other churches from time to time, but still returned to my first church to worship. I decided to follow my mum to the adult service, where I learnt a lot about the Lord. However, I continued to feel lonely in my Christian life, as there was a lack of friends (who were of my age) in church. In addition, I felt there were few avenues of service for me in the adult service. 

When I later, in university, shared this struggle of mine with a CCA friend, telling her how difficult it was to be a Christian without like-minded friends and active service, she then invited me to her church. The people there were very warm and friendly, so different from my church, where most people were cold and hardly knew one another. However, behind this façade, there were major differences about this church - worship was a lot louder and more emotional, sermons seemed to be surrounding the same few messages each time I went and the Christians around had “gifts” that I had never seen. Some would break out in “tongues”, some would begin prophesying over a brother or sister claiming that they had a given message from the Lord, and some would shout ‘Hallelujiah’ in the middle of a sermon or worship. I was shocked on my first visit, and I thought to myself: “How could Christianity differ so much among churches?” I questioned their practices, but they always seemed to answer readily and fervently. As I engaged in more conversations with them, I started to believe that I was the one who had to adapt and change my stance as a Christian. They spoke fervently about Christ, and it was hard to miss their passion and love.

Little did I know that I had fallen into the hands of the Charismatics! There were many times that I could not comprehend the answers they gave to my countless questions. Yet, in the name of Christian love, I brushed the matter aside again and again, and told myself not to over-think or over-complicate situations. At least, I seemed to be doing the work of the Lord in this new place, with actively and zealous members. But my conscience felt pricked from time to time.

In my third year of university, a classmate started questioning me about my Christian beliefs, to which I gave standard answers that I had always heard from others. He then invited me to Gethsemane B-P Church in January 2020. I came with the intention to learn truths about Christianity, being still deeply rooted in many teachings of my previous church. When I first came to GBPC, Pastor Koshy had started on the Book of Jude where he talked about the apostates of our time. It became apparent to me that Charismatics were one such group that were following the wrong doctrine. I began to wondered whether I had missed something essential which true Christians could see but I had not been able to.

As I continued coming and grew in understanding of the Word, I was also confronted with the Truth. It was difficult to accept that the many things I thought were done out of faith, love and passion in the past, were but lies and deception. A few months on, I knew that I could no longer stay in my previous church. I would be blatantly going against the Lord and living in sin and defiance. By the grace of God, I left the church a few months later. I then had to ask the Lord where He would lead me to next. With more free time on my hands, I watched the services of various churches online, due to the “circuit breaker” measures. As I questioned: “what made a good church?”, I realise it is one that stands for the truth. “Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness; And your feet shod with the preparation of the Gospel of peace; Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints” (Ephesians 6:13-18).

I thank God for how He led me to Gethsemane BPC, to show me the Truth, as the Truth had set me free. I now understand that to live the life of a Christian requires good instruction and teaching, not unbridled passion and fervency. “Happy is the man that findeth wisdom, and the man that getteth understanding. For the merchandise of it is better than the merchandise of silver, and the gain thereof than fine gold” (Proverbs 3:13-14). As the hymn writer wrote:

“A pilgrim was I, and a wandering,
In the cold night of sin I did roam,
When Jesus the kind Shepherd found me,
And now I am on my way home.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life;
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me
All the days, all the days of my life.”

Thank God for His grace and mercy.

Ng Hui Fang (Baptism)
I first heard about the Gospel from my elder sister during my secondary school years. Though I cannot remember her exact sharing, I remembered her sharing of why man has been alienated from God, and the only way to reconcile with Him, through a colourful tract. Nevertheless, it was not until during my tertiary education that I came to receive Christ as my personal Saviour. As both of us were from a non-Christian family background, her testimony in recounting the wondrous workings of God in her life somehow moved my heart. Without second thoughts, I received Christ into my life that day.

However, what followed soon after was a series of fiery responses from my parents (my mum especially), when they found out about my faith. Torn Bible, torn bible-study notes strewn on my table were common scenes that I had to face in those days. My relationship with my mum became strained, as we did not speak to each other closely for 2 years. During those first 2 years, my weak conviction of faith, along with my lack of patience and weak endurance of the persecution faced, had not kept me far on my spiritual journey. My faith failed the test. Slowly, I withdrew from God and was swept away by the lures of the world. The lust of the eyes, the lust of the flesh and the pride of life effortlessly pulled me away from God for years. Indulgence in sin was of no grave matter to me and my life was fully filled with carnality, resulting in the downward spiral of my spiritual well-being. By the grace of God, this godless life of mine was brought to a stop when a dramatic turn of events brought me down to the lowest point and I found myself seeking God once again…

In need of spiritual healing, I began to attend church again with a colleague of mine. During the same time, I was being invited by my elder sister multiple times to join her in Gethsemane BPC. Though I liked to continue accompanying my colleague, that church’s charismatic manner of worship service was increasingly not agreeable to me. I finally joined my sister in Gethsemane BPC in 2018. It is deeply enriching to hear Pastor’s expounding on the words of God and his life testimony as a strong witness for Christ. His faithful preaching has led me to understand what it takes for one to be a true follower of Christ. “Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God” (Acts 14:22). Knowing that tribulations are expected in our Christian life and faith has to be tried, we should not expect an easy battle.

Nevertheless, it is comforting to know that this is not a battle fought alone as we are told in Hebrews 4:15, “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” It is then most assuring to know that Jesus Christ, as God of all grace, is sufficient for me – “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9). May I continue to walk under the leading and guidance of the Lord Jesus Christ, as a “stranger” and “pilgrim” on the earth, with strengthened faith and steadfastness.

Benjamin Chong (Transfer)
Thank God for His grace that has kept me close to Him throughout my growing years, and for revealing my depraved and sinful nature. Despite many times that I have slipped, and ignored the wise advice of family and friends, God in His perfect goodness chastised me and brought me back to Him.

I have been immensely encouraged by Pastor Koshy’s messages and constant reprimands to wrestle against worldliness. It is a huge problem that I have seen in many of my Christian friends’ lives, which no doubt is a stumbling block to all who have witnessed the double standards practiced in modern Christianity. My prayer for all Gethsemaneans is: that we will keep our eyes on the heavenly prize, and strive to live a sanctified life here on earth which will bring light for souls lost in darkness.

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The Age-Old Promise of the Gospel

Sermon Text: Galatians 3:6–14
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 15th August 2021

(Sermon starts around 41:26.)

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Testimonies from TGCM’s 16th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service

We publish the testimonies of four TGCM brethren and another from a brother who was formerly from TGCM. May these testimonies stir within every reader a passion for the salvation of souls and to do the level best to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ with urgency and dedication. It is incumbent on everyone, who has tasted the gift of salvation, to ponder about his or her commitment to making the Saviour known and welcoming sinners to Him. “What shall I render unto the LORD for all his benefits toward me? I will take the cup of salvation and call upon the name of the LORD. I will pay my vows unto the LORD now in the presence of all his people” (Psalm 116:12–14).

It’s a Privilege to Serve in His Kingdom!

Cayson Chok

I thank our gracious and faithful God for hiding me under the shadow of His wings since I came to The Gethsemane Care Ministry about 15 years ago. The Lord has shown great compassion towards me and blessed me abundantly. He restored me through TGCM, and then called me and granted me the honour of serving Him in TGCM.

I would like to mention five special blessings that the Lord has bestowed on me since I came to TGCM:

Firstly, as Psalm 40:2 says, “He brought me up … out of the miry clay, and set my feet upon a rock, and established my goings”. Therefore, I enjoy great peace in Him.

Secondly, the Lord saved me for His purposes, to do His will, not to fulfil my own desires.

Thirdly, the Lord plans everything for me so that I won’t walk astray. I am here now because the Lord has taken care of me and led me till this day.

Fourthly, He restored my relationship with my family, and helped me to bear a good testimony before my family members.

Fifthly, every morning, TGCM brothers have the privilege to sing praises to our Saviour, and pray with each other before we start our day’s work. That I count as a very special blessing.

Although I face a lot of difficulties and struggles in this journey, God’s Word reminds me that they are trials from God to strengthen and purify me. I believe God is moulding me to be a faithful and stronger Christian. He is the Potter, I’m the clay. So, the only way I can overcome all my fears and troubles, and remain faithful in His service, is by trusting and obeying Him.

As I grow in the Lord, my understanding of His Word also increases. God’s Word is so important to me because it leads me back to His path of righteousness when I stray from Him. His Word also comforts me when I’m in sorrow.
I thank God for Pastor Koshy, Eld Mah and the preachers who come to TGCM every morning to teach us God’s counsels. I am also thankful for the fellowship of our church’s beloved brethren and friends, who have encouraged and supported all of us in TGCM.

Praise the Lord for the 16th Anniversary of TGCM. May the Lord be pleased to preserve and use TGCM continually, in order to reach out to those who are lost in drugs and other vices with the Gospel of salvation.

In the Lord’s Saving and Strengthening Hand

Raja Krishnan

On March 23, 2015, I came to TGCM. Before that, I was working as a kitchen steward in a 5-star hotel. My work began at 10:00am and would end at 10:00pm; I would work for 24 days before I got 4 days off from work. Sometimes, I had to work in the ballroom for wedding receptions and dinners. After the functions, I would be in charge of getting the ballroom cleaned. Often, there would be a lot of leftover alcohol and beer available for the workers’ consumption. My co-workers and I would get them for our enjoyment. After working in Orchard Hotel for about three years, I became addicted to alcohol. My hands would be shivering if I would not consume alcohol. So, I decided to quit this bad habit and planned to go to a halfway house to get help to recover.

When I called a halfway house by phone to seek help, its chaplain, who was a friend of mine, answered and told me not to go there if I am looking for spiritual help. He told me to consider Gethsemane B-P Church and its Care Ministry if I sincerely desire to return to the Lord Jesus Christ and grow in Him. He then gave me a mobile number to call. When I called TGCM, I was asked to come for an interview. Upon the interview, TGCM granted me admission. And by the grace of God, TGCM became the place where I quit my alcohol addiction.

After a few months of my stay in TGCM, Gethsemane Bible Institute began its classes in the TGCM premises. Though I did not plan to attend the classes, I was told that I needed to participate in the GBI classes as TGCM residents were required to learn God’s Word. I thank God for listening to the teaching of God’s Word as I sat in the GBI classes. I praise the Lord for opening my eyes to see how powerful and profitable are the doctrines of God’s Word! Though I had attended an Anglican church for about seven years before I came to TGCM, no one ever taught me such biblical doctrines like Anthropology, Soteriology, Bibliology and Eschatology. I thank God for the great truths that I learned from GBI in the past years, in addition to the daily hearing of God’s Word in TGCM. Learning God’s Word has strengthened my faith and given me the spiritual understanding to overcome temptations and trials of life.

In 2018, I was diagnosed with Stage 5 kidney disease. At first, I was sad to learn about my worsening kidney condition. But the Word of God granted me comfort and encouragement. Today, I am glad to testify that the joy of the Lord is my strength.

I have been in TGCM for six years; the Lord has filled my heart with His divine peace. Oh, how good and gracious is the Lord who helped me to recover from my alcohol problems! The brothers in TGCM are very helpful to me; and I praise the Lord for their kindness to me.

I am glad that God gave me this opportunity to testify of the Lord’s saving, sanctifying and strengthening work in me, and to praise Him during this 16th Anniversary of TGCM. All praise and glory be unto the Lord, my Saviour.

Childhood and Youth are Vanities!

Soh Teck Ern

Born in 1996, I am now 25 years old. On this occasion of TGCM’s 16th anniversary, I would like to give my testimony of the saving grace of Jesus Christ that found me.

My childhood was somewhat normal, growing up as a cheerful child in my parents’ home. I was a fun-loving boy in my early primary school days. However, in my home, I saw my relatives smoking cigarettes, gambling, etc. When I reached Primary 5, I joined some friends who gave me cigarettes to smoke. My friendship circle was not helping me to have good discipline.

I became restless and disillusioned as I entered secondary school. I was least interested in studying and started to skip school. I frequented internet cafes with friends, playing computer games. I began to idolise youths who seem to be fearless and assertive over other youth gangs. I also craved for the thrill of superiority and power. Soon I joined a secret society and was known to be good at fighting. I wanted to show that I can overpower members of other youth gangs. As such, I would engage in violent fights – which soon got me into trouble with the police. The police called me up and served me a stern warning. But I continued to riot among teenagers. Shortly after, I was arrested, sentenced and placed under probation for 18 months. It was in the year 2013. Even then, I would still go to nightclubs and meet with my secret society friends.

However, my heart was troubled. Friendships that I maintained did not help at all. The break-up with my girlfriend led me to sadness and enormous frustration. Around this time, my friends introduced me to synthetic drugs to help me “feel better”. When I entered National Service, my troubles increased. I was detained and charged for drugs and sentenced to detention barrack on Nov 11, 2016. I was locked up in the detention barrack for 7 months and 9 days. Upon release, my life got even worse. Drug addiction continued, resulting in my arrest on July 31, 2018. I was then sentenced to prison for 9 months and another 9 months of probation.

In jail, I met a man named Wayne, who was in a nearby cell. Wayne invited me to attend a religious meeting in prison. It was a Christian meeting. There I met Pr Kelvin Lim from Gethsemane B-P Church. However, I was not very attracted to the Christian faith. Upon my release, I was not a happy person. I did suffer from depression and sought relief by retaking drugs. I also harmed myself by cutting my hand. But I was terrified that the police would arrest me again. To make things worse, I was in need of money. At about this time, I received a call from Wayne, inviting me to lunch. Wayne was very kind to me and offered his help. He also advised me to seek help in TGCM. During this time, Bro Wayne was in touch with Pr Kelvin Lim, and they together helped me come to TGCM.

I first came to TGCM on August 24, 2020, and was accepted into the rehabilitation programme. I stayed in TGCM for about 7 months. During that stay at TGCM, Pr Daniel Lim explained the Gospel to me; the Spirit of God led me to put my trust in the Lord Jesus as my Saviour and Lord. It was on September 1, 2020. I praise the Lord for pardoning my sins and making me a child of God. I was happy in TGCM, growing daily in the knowledge of God’s Word.

However, I was influenced to think of going out of TGCM to find employment. I became impatient to remain in TGCM. In my foolishness, I rejected the counsel given to me by Bro Cayson, and left TGCM on March, 21 this year. It was not wise to leave the loving and caring atmosphere I have received for the past 7 months in TGCM.

After leaving, I looked for a job. But without proper spiritual guidance, I soon approached my old friends for a job. Problems and temptation soon overtook me. I became very frustrated and sank deep into depression. I was back again to drugs. I was admitted to NUH. The Lord worked in my heart to seek Bro Wayne again for help. Pastor and Bro Cayson encouraged Bro Wayne to tell me to return to TGCM, if I am sincere to follow the Lord Jesus. I was happy to hear that TGCM would take me back, and I returned on May 23, 2021.

Since then, I am very grateful that the Lord has restored me to good mind and health. I am happy to be worshipping and learning His Word. My prayer is that the Lord will strengthen and renew me to be an obedient Christian who will be a good testimony for Christ, and a blessing to my family and others. I want to thank all who have prayed for and helped me, as I reside in TGCM and worship in Gethsemane B-P Church. All glory to God, who has loved me and saved me.

Counting My Blessings from His Gracious Hand!

David Ng

I praise God for this opportunity to rejoice with thanksgiving on the occasion of the 16th Anniversary of TGCM amid the Covid pandemic.

First and foremost, I praise God for His unfailing Word, which declares, “For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock” (Psalm 27:5). Truly, thank God for His grace and mercy towards me that delivered me from years of bondage to drugs and to all kinds of vices which brought me to the point of suicide. I thought that taking my life was the easy and the only way out of all my pain and misery. But God, who is rich in mercy, has in His great love hastened to relieve me from my troubles and hide me in the “pavilion” He has prepared for me, i.e. TGCM. May the Lord be highly exalted, for He keeps all His promises to all His people.

I thank God for His faithfulness in preserving me at TGCM for the past 9 years. It is here that the Lord miraculously liberated me from the chains of bondage. Indeed, with God, all things are possible. May the Lord continue to help me to persevere to the end. Not only was I delivered and liberated, but God has also given me an excellent opportunity to grow in His Word and serve Him.

I thank the Lord for His faithful servants, especially Pastor Koshy, Eld Mah, Pr Daniel, Pr Kelvin, Pr Jeremiah and Pr Samson, for their labour of love in sharing God’s Word with us during the morning devotions. Thank God also for the GBI and FEBC that have helped me tremendously in my spiritual growth into a deeper knowledge of God’s Word. The truths of God’s Word have been my guidance, revival and rejoicing as I incline my heart to perform what God has decreed.

I thank God for sustaining TGCM for the last 16 years through work projects, that we may have the honour to serve God with clean hands and pure hearts in generating income for the ministry, as well as through the generous and cheerful giving from His people in their faithful support of the Lord’s work. Truly, the Lord indeed is our Great Provider, both physically and spiritually, to give us all that we need for life and for godliness.

I thank God also for bestowing the wonderful gift of salvation upon my father. I am also grateful that my mother joins him to attend our Chinese worship service regularly. They also join the Chinese prayer meeting and the Seniors’ Fellowship. It’s my constant prayer that God be gracious to save my mum in His perfect time.

I thank God that He permitted me to develop prostate cancer about two years ago, which taught me to be humble and wholly dependent on Him for restoration and for supply of all my needs. I thank God for seeing me through the surgery and relieving me of the burden of large medical bills through the help of the medical social services, and sustaining me until today without recurrence of cancer.

Praise God also for entrusting me with a new leadership role in taking care of TGCM. With new responsibilities come more problems, but I am not facing them alone. I could go into my prayer closet to cast all my cares unto my Heavenly Father, who is able to accomplish infinitely more than I might ask or think. The Lord had helped, protected, provided and guided me for the past 9 years in TGCM; now, I pray that I will serve faithfully and effectively in TGCM with the sure help that the Lord has promised. Truly, “The LORD is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; my God, my strength, in whom I will trust; my buckler, and the horn of my salvation, and my high tower” (Psalm 18:2).

Since, according to 1 Timothy 2:4, the Lord “will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth,” I pray that He will be pleased to use TGCM mightily as a channel to save and restore many more drug-offenders. May God also bless the prison ministry undertaken by the preachers and brethren of our church, that more ex-prisoners may come to TGCM and be restored through the Word of God and the fellowship of the church! May the Lord keep the doors of TGCM open! May He remove all obstacles, that more may come to Christ through TGCM and taste His salvation and goodness!

All praise and glory be to God.

Back to the Fold!

Jeremy Mark Ferreira

Finally, I managed to find the courage to share my testimony. On this most joyous occasion celebrating TGCM’s 16th anniversary, I would like to thank God for His grace that enabled me to come forward to testify of His blessings. Particularly for this most blessed ministry of TGCM, which has been an integral part of my life’s restoration back unto the Lord.

This testimony, more an expression of my apology, seeks forgiveness from the Lord, from the church’s leaders and from all members and even brethren outside Gethsemane BPC. The church had lovingly supported me in all my undertakings; the leaders had nurtured me, taught me, and showed me God’s grace. But I failed many times, having succumbed to temptations and left the church.

Despite all these failings of mine, the Lord was still gracious unto me by keeping me safe, blessing me with a wife who has stood by me. He also provided me with a good job. I thank the Lord for convicting me to return unto Him and to follow Him. I sincerely desire to be back in the church and serve the Lord together with all.

I want to take this opportunity to humbly convey my sincere apologies to the church, its leaders (pastors, elders, deacons), and their family members for walking away from the church. Furthermore, I am grateful to the leaders and the brethren for the encouragement shown to me over the last couple of years when I returned. Their show of support, Christian love, and warm welcome stirred a desire within me to be part of the church to serve my Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. I am delighted to be received back into the church’s fellowship and am looking forward to accomplishing His will and purposes as an active, serving member of the church, together with my wife.

Praise and thanks be unto the Lord once again for His forgiveness, loving kindness, and indeed for the ministry of the Word that helps me walk aright.

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Foolishness of Wavering from the Faith

Sermon Text: Galatians 3:1–5
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 8th August 2021

(Sermon starts around 52:21.)

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Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church adheres to the system of faith commonly known as the “Reformed Faith” as expressed in the Westminster Confession of Faith together with the Larger and Shorter Catechisms.
Our Worship Address
SingPost Centre
Level 5 Auditorium
10 Eunos Road 8, Singapore 408600
(next to Paya Lebar MRT station)
Our mailing address
Gethsemane Media Centre
33 Ubi Crescent
Singapore 408584
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