Recent Posts

As a new semester of systematic study of God’s Word begins in FEBC and GBI, here are some biblical reasons (by way of reminder) why we should take advantage of every opportunity to have an in-depth study of God’s Word.

God has given us His Book, not to be kept for the bookshelf but to be read, searched, and studied. God expects us to understand all its truths. God said, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night” (Joshua 1:8a).

We don’t study the Bible merely to accumulate information about it, but for the purposes which God has made known in His Word.

Here are some of the purposes God has iterated in His Word for studying it:

1. That we may know God.  

There is little we can know about God without His special revelation, the Bible. But with the Bible, we can know all that God has revealed about Himself. Through His words in the Bible, we can know the truths about God – His nature, attributes, works and will. 

Some say they don’t need to study the Bible but just love Jesus. Without the knowledge of the Bible, no one can have the truth about Jesus. In John 5:39, Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” The Bible reveals Jesus and the eternal life that He gives to those who trust in Him. So, to know and love our divine Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, we must study and know the Scriptures. We cannot love Him sincerely without knowing the truth about Him from His Word.

2. That we may not err in our doctrine and practice. 

To the Jews, specifically to the Sadducees who propagated the falsehood that there is no resurrection, Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29). We must study and know the truth to avoid embracing false doctrines and misconceptions in our spiritual pursuit. 

Moreover, if we do not learn and be assured of the truths of the Bible, slowness of belief, conviction and confidence would plague even God’s people. The apostles of Christ, who did not fully know the Scriptures concerning Christ’s resurrection, could not have full conviction about it in the days following His resurrection. John 20:9 commented on their uncertainty about His resurrection, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” Their slowness of conviction about Christ’s resurrection was their lack of knowledge about the Scriptures’ teaching. When the Holy Spirit gave them the understanding of the Scriptures’ prophecies about Christ’s resurrection and the truth of that unmistakable event, they went forth all over the world and boldly declared that Christ rose according to the Scriptures (Acts 2:25-33; 13:30-37; 26:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 1:11).

3. That we may be perfected as God’s people. 

2 Tim. 3:16-17 instructs us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” A proper understanding of God’s Word will result in believers’ sanctification and fruitfulness (cf. John 1:17; 15:3, 7-8).

4. That we may declare and defend His Word.

God wants us to declare and defend the Word. 2 Tim 4:2 says, “Preach the word” (cf. Rom. 10:8). How could Christians proclaim the Word without knowing it? We are also expected to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet 3:15b). Studying the Bible helps us tell others confidently and clearly His truths. Those who have learned His Word thoroughly can boldly declare His truths whenever God gives them opportunities to witness for Him.

Thanksgiving Report from Our Mission Station in Bohol

17 Years of Ministry in Bohol

Dear Pastor Koshy,

Greetings to you in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

Last Sunday, we celebrated the 17th anniversary of the mission church in Bohol, with Pastor Reggor as our speaker. Together with Pastor Reggor, brethren from TGCM-Cebu also came, and rendered a song to praise our Lord and for the congregation’s edification. Several of our church members’ friends and relatives participated in the Thanksgiving Service. Brethren from the outreach station in Anda, some Bible-study contacts from Candijay, and the young people from our new outreach station in Albur (Mr Bucio’s town) also came to join the service. The missionary couple and members of True Life BP Church, Trinidad, were also present. 

I praise God for enabling all of them to come to church safely despite the heavy rain. We are very grateful for the blessed and fruitful time of gathering to worship God, and to thank Him for salvation, as well as for all His wonderful provision for our spiritual growth and extension of the Gospel work to neighbouring and distant towns / villages. 

Only by God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness has the mission church in Bohol reached this far. All glory and honour belong to our God, who has sustained the mission church in Bohol for the last 17 years. The congregation of GBPC, Bohol, and I thank our God for using you, dear Pastor, together with the Board of Elders and the brethren of Gethsemane BP Church, Singapore, to support the missionary and work of the mission church. We appreciate your continued prayers and support. 

All glory be to God!

In Christ,
Pr Edsel Locot

Sermon Text: Psalm 47
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th July 2023

(In view of Gethsemane Youth Choir’s 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on 9th July 2023.)

Church Youths in Service to God

The church consists of children, youths, adults and old folks. Hence, the New Testament specifically addressed the children and youths in the early churches to instruct them on their conduct and service (e.g. Eph. 6:1-3; 1 Tim. 5:1-2; 2 Tim 2:22; Titus 2:4-6; 1 Pet 5:5; 1 John 2:13-14). The participation and involvement of all believing youths in the church’s life and ministry, according to the biblical guidelines, is assumed in the New Testament. The youths’ ecclesiastical commitment to the worship and service of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ should always be considered a vital matter by every biblical church. 

Redeemed young people have always been expected to be part of the congregational worship of God – “Both young men, and maidens; old men, and children: let them praise the name of the LORD: for his name alone is excellent; his glory is above the earth and heaven” (Ps 148:12-13). Every believing youth should praise the Lord with exuberant joy. The church’s young people must give of their best to their Redeemer and Master in worship and service. Let their youthful days of strength and beauty be dedicated to the praise of their Creator and Saviour. 

Christian youths of the early church were encouraged to function in all aspects of the church ministry, according to each one’s giftedness and maturity, with the highest spiritual integrity, dedication and courage. For example, the apostle Paul told Timothy, “Let no man despise thy youth; but be thou an example of the believers, in word, in conversation, in charity, in spirit, in faith, in purity” (1 Timothy 4:12). May all our young people rise in love and zeal for their Lord Jesus Christ, like some of the renowned young saints of old time – Joseph, David, Daniel, Obadiah, Josiah, Timothy, the four daughters of Philip the evangelist, among others.

Church Youth Choir

The purpose of the church choirs, including the youth choir, is not to celebrate the music / singing abilities of members, but the glory of our God, His truths and His works. Church choirs sing not merely for the pleasure of man’s ears, but that the Lord Jesus Christ be exalted in the ears of every hearer. Otherwise, our singing, though it pleases man, would be a total affront to God. Therefore, the rendition of songs in a God-honouring manner would mean much more than their melodious presentation. 

Surely, much effort has been made to practise the songs and be ready for tonight’s song presentation. Nonetheless, our youths have been constantly reminded during their fellowship meetings and through frequent exhortations and admonitions, that their hearts must be clean and always dedicated to pleasing the Lord. We thank God for every one of the youths in our church who seek to honour the Lord with their lives and service. 

God cannot be pleased with the music of the hypocrites who present external rendering of worship without a godly spirit. Through Amos the prophet, the LORD declared, “Take thou away from me the noise of thy songs; for I will not hear the melody of thy viols” (Amos 5:23). May our songs be from genuine hearts of humility, repentance, faith, and reverence for our God. 

Brethren, let us come together with our friends this evening, and join our youths to praise the saving name of our Redeemer and Lord! May the LORD bless our youths as they sing, that they may say all the days of their lives: “For thou art my hope, O Lord GOD: thou art my trust from my youth” (Psalm 71:5). 

Gethsemane Youth Choir through the ages

Sermon Text: Psalm 130
Speaker: Reverend Sujith Samuel
Date: 9th July 2023

(If you are asked to explain the Gospel briefly, do you know what to say? Learn from the article below, and be ready to declare the Gospel of Jesus Christ to all who ask of you). 

The Gospel points sinners to the God-sent Saviour, Jesus Christ. His name, “Jesus”, denotes that “he shall save his people from their sins” (Matt 1:21). During His public ministry, Jesus declared, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand: repent ye, and believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15). The Gospel is the message of God’s kingdom. It is conveyed with the great authority of God, the Almighty King. It is the message of His love and grace for the salvation of sinners. To neglect the Gospel message is to defy the only living and true God, and His gracious message of salvation.

That we repent of our sins

In Luke 13, Jesus warned twice, “…except ye repent, ye shall all likewise perish” (Luke 13:3, 5). Some may even question whether such a statement should be considered “Gospel” (or “Good News”). However, when we consider it as a warning from our gracious Saviour, we will know it is good news. Jesus asserted to all His hearers, “repent ye” (Mark 1:15b). Likewise, the apostles declared, “now (God) commandeth all men every where to repent” (Acts 17:30b). 

Repentance involves: (i) one’s acknowledgment that he is a sinner; (ii) one’s confession of his sins; (iii) one’s admission of his guilt that he deserves God’s just wrath of eternal damnation in hell; and (iv) one’s pleading for God’s mercy and gracious provision of His forgiveness. Repentance is not a mere feeling of remorse about our sins, but a turning away from our sins to Christ. 

True salvation occurs when we, in desperation, turn from sin to Christ with a willingness to have Him save and lead our lives. On our own, we are rendered helpless and doomed by our sins. So, when we are convicted of our sins and damnation, and are called by the Gospel, we must quickly repent and turn to Christ for salvation.

That we believe in Christ for salvation

Jesus not only said, “repent ye”, but also to “believe the gospel” (Mark 1:15c). The Gospel is all about Jesus Christ and what He has done for our salvation on the cross of Calvary. The Gospel is depicted 11 times in the New Testament as “the gospel of Christ” (Rom. 1:16; 15:19, 29; 1 Cor. 9:12, 18; 2 Cor. 4:4; 2 Cor. 9:13; 2 Cor. 10:14; Gal. 1:7; Phil. 1:27; 1 Thess. 3:2). 

Let us take note of the apostle Paul’s presentation of the Gospel in 1 Cor 15:1-4, “Moreover, brethren, I declare unto you the gospel which I preached unto you, which also ye have received, and wherein ye stand, by which also ye are saved… how that Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures”. 

The Bible commands and promises: “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, and thou shalt be saved, and thy house” (Acts 16:31); and “that if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved” (Romans 10:9). 

Only Jesus Christ did act to deliver us from our sins and judgment. As Paul testified in Ephesians 5:2, “… Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweetsmelling savour.” Therefore, “Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12). “For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved” (Romans 10:13).

That we who are saved might live godly lives

Scripture says Christ “gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Titus 2:14). Our Lord Jesus, who died and rose again to redeem us, liberates us from the power of sin, world and Satan, that we may serve Him in righteousness. Jesus said, “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed” (John 8:36). “Being then made free from sin, ye became the servants of righteousness” (Rom. 6:18). 

As we follow Christ daily in confident trust, He will guide us away from our sins by His Word to do all His good pleasure (“good works” – Tit.2:14). Jesus said, “And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free” (John 8:32). He also promised, “My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: and I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father’s hand” (John 10:27-29). 

All who are truly saved will turn from sin to Christ, so He may take control of their lives. They do not trust in themselves. They will not follow their own thoughts and ambitions, which are fleshly and worldly. Instead, they give themselves to know and do what the Lord has willed concerning them. They will yield their lives to Christ to worship and serve Him. Instead of sin, Christ’s good pleasure will characterise all saved lives.

Sermon Text: Psalm 46
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd July 2023

Selflessness and a sympathetic heart are key traits of every effective Christian in church ministries. The church comprises people of various cultural and socio-economic backgrounds, and with different levels of spiritual maturity. Paul instructs the Corinthian Christians in 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 that they, like him, must be ever willing to accommodate the differences of others “for the gospel’s sake”, so that they might “gain them” for Christ!

Accommodation of Others

Paul was a Jew through and through, having had a prestigious Jewish education under the tutelage of Gamaliel (Acts 22:3). If such was his Jewish heritage, why did Paul say, “unto the Jews I became as a Jew” (1 Cor 9:20a)? Here, Paul refers to the Jewish customs and practices which were rigidly and religiously practised by Jews, such as circumcision and other ceremonial and civil observances. Paul knew and taught that “in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature” (Galatians 6:15). Yet, at the early stage of the New Testament Church, when in the presence of a hostile Jewish crowd, Paul conceded to Timothy being circumcised (Acts 16:3). Later on, Paul shaved his head as part of his vow to attend the feast at Jerusalem (Acts 18:18). These are examples of Jewish customs that Paul was willing to accommodate, so that he may win the Jews’ acceptance and slowly teach them the better “law to Christ” (1 Cor 9:21). When ministering to the Gentiles (“them that are without law”), Paul did not coerce the Gentiles to circumcise and observe Jewish feasts, for the Gospel did not necessitate those observances. Hence, Paul opposed Peter, who compelled the Gentiles to live as the Jews (Galatians 2:14). We see a very careful and wise Paul who adapted to the various contexts, but never at the expense of the truth of the Gospel. In reaching out to others, Paul never compromised the Gospel and always displayed much care and concern to bring its truths to both Jews and Gentiles.

Affection for Others

Paul’s affectionate care is seen particularly in his treatment of the spiritually weak. He says, “To the weak became I as weak, that I might gain the weak” (1 Cor 9:22a). Paul neither encouraged believers’ lack of faith nor joined in their sinful acts. But when establishing young believers in the faith, Paul would abstain from certain foods, so they would not be stumbled (1 Cor 8:13). On other occasions, he exhorted believers to bear each other’s burdens and patiently restore the weak to the church’s fellowship (Gal 6:1-5). Every Bible-adhering Christian must not stand aloof to the struggles of fellow believers. For the sake of Christ and as an expression of the love we have first received, let us care for the weak and those who are afflicted. Christians must commit to being affectionate and accommodating of others. We must be vigilant against cultural or national pride, even spiritual pride, which would prevent us from going out of our comfort zones to minister, encourage and fellowship with others. 

 Remember, the purpose for Paul’s commitment was never to establish a name for himself, but for the name of Christ, “And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you” (1 Cor 9:23). 

A Youth Retreat for the Gospel’s Sake

Learning from Paul’s exhortation and example, the Gethsemane Youth Fellowship will organise a year-end retreat to Cebu and Bohol from 18 to 22 December 2023. We pray that all participants will be selfless, sympathetic, accommodating and affectionate as we strengthen our fellowship with brethren in the Visayas churches. As announced by Pastor last Sunday, the total retreat fee, including the group-booking airfare, is no small amount. Nonetheless, we trust and pray for God’s timely provisions, so that 80 brethren can participate in this trip to encourage our brethren in Cebu City, Bogo, San Antonio, Tagbilaran City, Anda and Candijay. The theme for this retreat is: “Prepare to Meet Thy God”, a phrase taken from Amos 4:12. Our prayer is that these messages will prepare our young people for the second coming of Christ. In the season of Christmas, the Gospel will be presented in remembrance of His first coming as our Saviour, and in preparation for His second coming as our Judge and King. Furthermore, the youth choir will be enlisted every evening to sing specially selected hymns at each location. Certainly, there will be much travelling by air, land and sea. Hence, we prayerfully commit the planning and preparations for the retreat, as well as the safety and protection of our participants, to our Sovereign God. 

I thank God for last week’s opportunity to visit Rev Reggor, Pr Edsel, their families and their congregations in Cebu and Bohol, respectively. Elder Low Boon Siang joined me on this recce trip from June 13-15. Though a short visit of three days, our trip was fruitful and fulfilling, for we met up with some whom we did not see for a long while, and with others whom we saw regularly in our Gethsemane Fellowships over Zoom during the Pandemic. Elder Low and I attended the prayer meetings in Cebu (Tuesday night) and Bohol (Wednesday night), and our fellowship with them was very sweet! We went there with a desire to encourage the brethren, and we went away being very much encouraged ourselves, having heard testimonies of the persevering faith of some amidst different setbacks in recent years. 

Borrowing the pen of Paul, we conclude with both thanksgiving and prayer – “For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: to the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints” (1 Thessalonians 3:9-13).

This we do, for Christ’s sake, that others may be blessed, just as we have been blessed.
This we give, for the Gospel’s sake, that others may receive, just as we have received.
This we sing, for Christ’s sake, that others may be edified, just as we have been edified.
This we shared, for Christ’s sake, that others may be encouraged, just as others have shared with us.
This burden we bear, for Christ’s sake, that we may bear one another’s burden, just as others have borne our burdens.
This place we go, for the Gospel’s sake, that others may be saved or strengthened, just as we have been saved and likewise strengthened.

May the LORD use this retreat to unite us to “stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel” (Philippians 1:27). To facilitate planning, I urge all to quickly sign up for the year-end youth retreat in the Philippines!

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). 

A Thanksgiving Note from Pr Engida Tefera

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!

9th Anniversary Thanksgiving of Gethsemane BPC, Pangasinan

(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