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1 Peter 2:16 addresses the concept of Christian freedom, urging believers not to use their liberty as “a cloak of maliciousness”, but rather to live as servants of God – “as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness, but as the servants of God.”

While the freedom offered by Christ is complete (cf. John 8:36), believers often struggle to understand and apply it correctly. The apostle Peter deals with the challenges of fully experiencing this freedom.

Firstly, in the preceding context of 1 Peter 2:16, the apostle stresses Christians’ duty to submit to civil and ecclesiastical authorities, indicating that true Christian freedom does not justify rebellion. Instead, it involves obedience and respect for those in positions of authority, rejecting any misuse of freedom for personal defiance or selfish gain. Our freedom in Christ does not release us from our God-given obligations. It is distorted thinking that Christians are free from all moral laws and divine demands, and can indulge in any behaviour without consequences. To think of Christian liberty as a licence to neglect the importance of personal responsibilities and the pursuit of holiness is a great error!

So, Peter warns, “as free, and not using your liberty for a cloke of maliciousness”. The Greek word for “cloke” (epikaluma) means a veil or cover, symbolising how some Christians misuse their spiritual freedom to mask “maliciousness” (Greek, kakia: evil or wickedness). Some who claim to be Christians engage in sinful activities by hiding behind the facade of Christian freedom. Within the church, there are various cases of abuse of Christian freedom, such as justifying spiritually unwholesome or sinful behaviour under the guise of spiritual liberty. Examples include indulgence in alcohol, entertainment, or pursuing material wealth at the expense of spiritual growth and service to the Lord. These actions contradict genuine freedom in Christ, leading to entanglement with worldliness and sin, rather than liberation. Christian freedom is not about selfish ambition or personal glory, but an increasing commitment to please the Lord with obedience and service to Him.

Jesus addresses such hypocritical behaviour in John 15:22, exposing the true nature of sin – “If I had not come and spoken unto them, they had not had sin: but now they have no cloke for their sin.” Jesus came to remove all the “cloaks” that people use to cover their sins. True freedom in Christ means liberation from the deceit of sin and a genuine transformation towards righteousness, not an excuse to continue sinful lifestyles.

Peter further states that believers are liberated to become “servants of God”. True freedom in Christ should inspire believers to embrace their honourable role as God’s servants. In John 12:26, Jesus declares that the Father will honour those who serve Him – “If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.” This eternal honour is unlike the fleeting nature of worldly achievements. Serving God requires following Christ alone, not succumbing to worldly ambition or self-interest. Obedient service is evidence of true freedom from sin and Satan’s influence.

Romans 6:22 reinforces that freedom from sin leads to service to God: “But now being made free from sin, and become servants to God, ye have your fruit unto holiness, and the end everlasting life.” Similarly, in 1 Corinthians 7:22-24, Paul discusses the idea of being “free” yet serving God. Believers are freed from sin and lust to serve Him, highlighting that true freedom in Christ involves willingly becoming servants of God.

Christian freedom is not a licence for self-indulgence or for pursuing worldly pleasures and honours. Instead, it is a transformative liberation that should lead believers to serve God and align their lives with His purposes wholeheartedly. So, let us forsake worldly ambitions and sinful behaviour, and use our lives to honour God, knowing that true freedom comes from Him, who has freed us from the dominion of sin and Satan to serve His glorious purposes.

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Gethsemane Bible Institute

God has enabled our church to be actively involved in providing theological training to those who desire to serve the Lord in His church, especially in full-time service. God has enabled us to set up the Gethsemane Bible Institute in three countries – Ethiopia, the Philippines and India. About two years ago, the Lord also opened the doors to theological training in N.E. India, through Soli Deo Gloria Reformed Bible Academy.

With the help of our Bible Witness Media Ministry and Pr Samson, we have developed an online ministry of GBI since 2014. We have provided recorded lectures on the GBI website (www.gbi-online.com), and live online lectures for students of institutes in India. GBI Online also offers courses for preachers and pastors (Pastoral Biblical Studies—PBS) to further strengthen their understanding and ability to expound the truths of the Scriptures. For this particular course, God’s servants from several countries meet together online every Monday morning to study various topics.

God willing, the new semester of GBI Online will begin tomorrow. You can benefit from the courses we offer from GMC by attending the lecture onsite or joining online. Please register today for various courses announced in today’s church bulletin. If you need further course information, please contact Pr Samson Hutagalung (phone: +65 6741 1910; email: dean.gbionline@gmail.com).

We praise God for the generous support of God’s people, which has enabled us to freely provide these lectures to local and foreign students. Apart from the regular expenses for hosting lectures from GMC, we also have to spend money on upgrading the equipment (computers, audio-video cameras, etc.), servers, website, etc. Currently, our staff, with the help of some brethren in our church, are working to improve our GBI website and its various features to benefit online students.

We request your continued prayer and financial support for GBI Online, so that God’s servants can be well equipped for the work of the ministry of the Word around the world. Once again, through the forwardness of your love for Christ and the riches of your liberality towards His work, may GBI be further set forward for the furtherance of His kingdom.

Sermon Text: Psalm 81
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 21st July 2024

Since 2012, the Gethsemane Youth Choir has provided a platform for young people to learn disciplines of godly fellowship, service, music, and co-labouring. Through the hymns and songs, they also learn biblical doctrines and principles. Through the presentation of various hymns on Sundays and special days, our young people actively worshipped God and proclaimed His truths through their music.

The songs that the youth choir practise and sing are carefully chosen, based on their sound biblical themes and teachings. The contents of their songs are edifying to them and their listeners. Ephesians 5:19-20 admonishes, “Speaking to yourselves in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Singing Scriptural hymns and spiritual songs can deepen young people’s understanding and appreciation of their faith in the Lord and His truths.

During their practices, the biblical truths expressed in the songs are explained and emphasised, so that their singing and lives may be anthems of His praise. The biblically sound songs that the choir learn and present before the congregation, teach the youths biblical stories and truths that are retold in their songs, helping them to grow in faith. 

The youth choir also fosters a sense of Christian communion and cohesiveness among the youths as they work together to praise the Lord. They become focused on encouraging one another, and work with one another patiently and prayerfully. Indeed, there are many challenges and frustrations that they have to handle with the help of the Holy Spirit, so that they may not be discouraged and defeated in their service in the choir. To work together, they must overcome juvenility, personal misdemeanours, immaturity, etc. Singing harmoniously in the youth choir requires learning to serve together. 

GYC has been used by the Lord for the spreading of the Gospel truths beyond our congregation and country. They have travelled to other countries to sing about the salvation and glories of our Lord Jesus Christ. They also regularly sing for the BW Web Radio and BWTV to proclaim Christ and His glorious truths around the world. May our youths continue to rejoice and praise the Lord with their melodious songs. May the voices of our youths be heard praising Him always in all places!

We should earnestly pray for this ministry of our youths, that the Lord would preserve everyone from Satan’s devices and empower them by His Spirit to render their service to God in an acceptable and honourable manner. We must also pray that they will develop godliness and responsible conduct in all areas of their lives so that they will be sanctified vessels for His glory. 

May our prayer be like Psalm 148:12-13, “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.”

GYC Leadership

Under the guidance of the GYF Committee (Pastor, Eld. Choy, Pr Cornelius, Dns Diana Chan), an appointed mature youth with musical ability will prepare the GYC to present songs during various church functions. By God’s grace, Pr Cornelius Koshy led the choir from 2012 to 2019 and Bro. Amoz Choy from 2020 till today. We thank God for their dedicated service in the choir for the Lord’s glory. 

From this month onwards, Bro. Titus Ho will lead the choir in its preparations and presentations. Bro. Titus will be guided by Pr Cornelius, who has been appointed to minister to our church’s youths. Let us pray for Bro Titus that God will help him to serve faithfully in the days ahead. 

I would like to encourage all the youths to lovingly support and cooperate with Bro. Titus, and serve the Lord as a dedicated team of singers. To be honourable singers for the Lord, let your lives be disciplined and holy. May the name of our Lord Jesus Christ be continually praised by your joyful singing.

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Gethsemane BPC, Pangasinan, 10th Anniversary Report

Dear Pastor Koshy,

The Lord has sustained Gethsemane B-P Church, Pangasinan, for the last 10 years. We celebrated our 10th Anniversary last Lord’s Day because of God’s faithfulness. Almost 100 people came to witness the goodness of God. Praise the Lord for bringing Rev. Reggor Galarpe as the Lord’s messenger. The Lord also brought Pr Kelvin Lim to see the Lord’s work here in Pangasinan. Many brethren from many places came to rejoice with us. Our brethren from San Fernando, La Union came together with Bro. Jordan (Gethsemane Filipino Fellowship) and Bro. Julius del Rosario (Negros). Thank God for bringing them safely as they travelled back and forth.

Rev. Reggor preached on the topic, “The Church and Its Deacons”, from Acts 6:1–7. It is a timely message because the occasion was also the installation of the newly elected deacons. The Lord raised Brothers Jumar Balicao and Kyt Bince (together with their families) to serve in this office. Praise the Lord for giving us more hands to plan for the activities of the church. When the elected deacons came to the front, with their families standing behind them, Rev. Reggor asked them several questions to confirm their commitment to God. After the affirmation, Rev. Reggor gave them the charge and installed them as new deacons of Gethsemane B-P Church, Pangasinan.

There was infant baptism after the deacons’ installation. I explained to the congregation why we baptize infants. It is because children are part of the covenant and I cited Genesis 17:7 and Acts 2:38-39 as basis of the practice. I then called the parents to come forward, and asked them a series of questions to affirm their faith and commitment to introduce Christ to their child. Following that, I baptized Daniel Koa Bince (son of Dn Kyt and Sis Charlene), with Dn Jumar assisting me. Praise the Lord for the faith of the parents!

Indeed, “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3). As I look back at the last 10 years, “It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness (Lamentations 3:22-23). Without the grace of God, the church would not survive. We had many problems but the Lord has sustained the church. Satan tried to divide and infiltrate the church, but the Lord kept us all together.

I want to express also my thanksgiving to Gethsemane B-P Church, Singapore and her leaders. The church is very willing to be the channel of God’s blessings. Thank God for the generosity and commitment to support the work here. We can focus to grow and learn because of your charitable kindness. Your unwavering support, both financially and through prayers, is much appreciated.

Lovingly in Christ,
Rev. Donald dela Cruz

Sermon Text: Psalm 80
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 14th July 2024

Report by Pr Kelvin Lim

“It is of the LORD’S mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23).

The LORD our God is faithful! He has established a witness for Himself in Pangasinan, the Philippines. For the last decade, the faith of the saints there has been strengthened by the preaching and teaching of His infallible and inerrant Word through the labour of Rev. Donald dela Cruz.

The 10th Anniversary Thanksgiving Service of Gethsemane B-P Church, Pangasinan, was held at the function hall of Trish Hotel. More than 90 people came to witness the LORD’s faithfulness in sustaining this Gospel work for 10 years! The joy of the people could be seen from the smiles on their faces. They rejoiced heartily with songs of thanksgiving in worship of the LORD. The church choir also presented a hymn to the glory of God.

Rev. Reggor Galarpe, pastor of Gethsemane B-P Church, Cebu, was the Lord’s messenger for this blessed occasion. He exhorted the congregation from Acts 6:1-7 on the topic, “The Church and Its Deacons”. Next, he installed the elected deacons (Bro. Jumar Balicao and Bro. Kyt Bince) in their office, and thus inaugurated the Church Session. After which, there was an infant baptism. Pastor Donald baptised baby Daniel, the son of Dn Kyt and Sis. Charlene. The service ended with a benediction.

After the service, buffet lunch was served. The people continued to fellowship one with another, praising God for His goodness unto all. Indeed, it is a blessing to witness the bond of the brethren. “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1). 

As for me, I am very thankful unto the LORD just to be there. I am grateful for the hospitality of Pastor Donald and Dn Kyt. Dn Kyt picked me up from the airport on my arrival and bought me dinner before sending me to the hotel, while Pastor Donald hosted me for lunch before sending me to the airport for my departure. During my stay in the hotel, I was glad for the company of Rev. Reggor. We talked into the morning like we used to when we first met 24 years ago. We recollected the goodness of the LORD, and encouraged each other to press on in the work of the Gospel. Finally, I was surprised to see Bro. Jordan and Bro. Julius—they came specifically to rejoice with the brethren on this blessed occasion! This reminded me of what the psalmist said, “I was glad when they said unto me, Let us go into the house of the LORD” (Psalm 122:1). All glory be unto the LORD our God!

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Report on Combined Youth Conference 2024

Report by Bro. Rayson Tan and Bro. Titus Ho

This year’s CYC took place from 18th to 21st June, with its theme (in the form of a question), “Ready to Reap What You Sow?”, taken from 2 Corinthians 9:6 – “But this I say, He which soweth sparingly shall reap also sparingly; and he which soweth bountifully shall reap also bountifully.”

Morning Theme Messages

During this four-day conference, youths from our church (Gethsemane BPC) and fellow Bible-Presbyterian churches (Blessed Hope, Calvary Pandan, Calvary Tengah, True Life, Truth), along with other invited friends from non-BP churches, came together to study the Word of God. We thank God for His wisdom and grace upon Pastor Koshy & Rev. Samuel Joseph, as they preached 7 theme messages that challenged the youths to reflect on the type of “seeds” sown in their lives thus far. Are they sowing seeds of worldliness, or are they sowing things of spiritual and eternal value?

Message 1 introduced the theme question, expounding on 2 Corinthians 9:6 and highlighting the principle of “proportional reaping”, with the exhortation on always abounding in the work of the Lord. 

Message 2 (based on Hosea 10:1-2) emphasised the importance of being Christ-centred in our service. Using Israel’s unfruitfulness attributed to their lack of commitment to the LORD, we were warned to have the right focus when serving the Lord.

Message 3 reminded us, through Proverbs 22:8, on the potential youthful bad decisions that lead to negative consequences. As even small compromises can grow into significant issues, hence Galatians 5:9 stresses the need for wisdom in our decisions and actions. 

Message 4 exhorted us, from Romans 12:11, to maintain a sense of fervency and passion in serving the Lord, which comes when we remember the Gospel and what Christ has done for us on the cross.

Message 5 warned of ungodly men and false teachings that should invoke vigilance in us to conscientiously guard ourselves. Galatians 6:7-10 urges us to be continually discerning “sowers” of sound doctrine, that we may remain steadfast even in this sinful world. 

Message 6 taught us, from Matthew 9:32-38, to resonate with the burden of being an effective soul-witness for Christ, through the talents He has uniquely bestowed upon us. The spirit to serve isn’t dictated by one’s proficiency of talents, but a humble attitude to learn and serve for God’s glory. 

Message 7 warned us, from 2 Corinthians 9:6-11, to eradicate a legalistic thinking when doing the Lord’s service, for it is by faith that we render our spiritual gifts for the Lord’s service. 

Afternoon Activities

Together with the messages being expounded in the morning sessions, each day’s afternoon segment was correspondingly filled with a time of discussion and activity. The youths were allocated groups, that were facilitated by an adult leader and a mature youth. Through this, the youths had a chance to recount each day’s theme messages to be applied accordingly in their lives.

Day 1 - Ice-Breaker Activity

During the afternoon of CYC Day 1, we thank God for an enriching ice-breaker session, where the youths went around to interact, via a questionnaire that request information (specifically related to each youth) on key characteristics of church ministries and even the CYC committee.

Day 2 - Forum Sharing by Full-Time Ministers & Workers

During Day 2’s afternoon session, a selected panel of full-time ministers and church workers were invited to share the Lord’s calling for them to serve full-time. This forum gave the youths insights on the careful preparation when it comes to such service of the Lord. One biblical admonition from Romans 12:1-2 stood out – “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. 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.” Truly, may the youths continue to be consecrated Christians in the various callings of life that our Lord has placed them in, be it in school, work, or at home.

Day 3 - Recording Activity

On Day 3, the CYC attendees had the opportunity to witness the Lord’s work done through the productions of Bible Witness Media Ministry for BWTV. Through this brief hands-on exposure, the youths (alongside their voices and musical talents) were able to produce an item within each group itself through a song / skit! Thank God for the initiative of the group leaders that was complemented with the spontaneous ideas of the respective teams, allowing them to effectively record their presentations within a short span of practice!

Day 4 - Final Day of Conference

To reiterate the truths learnt over the past 4 days of CYC, the youths came together again to record the theme song, “Have You Counted the Cost?”. Through the technical help rendered by the Bible Witness Media Team, a couple of musically-inclined youths were able to (within short notice) arrange the music for the hymn, and conduct the singing for recording purposes. With much meditation and hope, we sang this hymn of consecration as our prayer for the years ahead.

Following that was a time of “guided” testimony (with the help of prompt-questions). The conclusion segment of the CYC was led by Pr Joshua Yong, who gave an exposition (from Ecclesiastes 11), on the essence of seizing every opportunity to serve the Lord. At the end of our lives, it’s not about the secular benefits we have accumulated that would grant us happiness, but the ultimate fulfilment that comes from knowing that we have given our best to the Lord’s work.

Indeed, all glory and praise be unto the Lord for the blessed 4 days of the Combined Youth Conference held at our Gethsemane Media Centre. With Gethsemane being the host church for CYC this year, there were also many opportunities for our youths to serve in. Be it ushering & welcoming, preparation & serving of refreshments, management of the AV, even the daily post-clean-up sessions, it was a joy to see the youths’ fervency in service and active application of what they have learned. Clearly, we have seen much evidence of the Lord’s grace and providence even in the preparation and execution of the CYC. We pray that all of us will continue to serve and sow bountifully for Him. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

Sermon Text: Philippians 1:3–11
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 7th July 2024

Rev. Reggor B. Galarpe

I praise and thank the Lord for the recently concluded 7th Missionary Conference of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church that was held in Malaysia from June 10-14, 2024. Having attended all the previous missionary conferences – the very first being held in Malaysia (2005), the second here in Cebu City (2007), the third in Ethiopia (2011), the fourth in Singapore (2014), the fifth in Kuching, East Malaysia (2017), and the sixth held “online” via Zoom at the height of the Covid pandemic (2021) – I praise and thank the Lord for the opportunity to join the seventh, together with my family!

As with the rest of the participants, especially the pastors and missionaries from different parts of the world, we returned home bringing with us abundant blessings – as we have been: 

1. Refreshed by the warm hospitality, love and generosity of our brethren in the “mother church” (GBPC, Singapore). From our arrival until our departure, there’s warm fellowship throughout! We have been well taken care of, both in body and soul, with the brethren opening their homes for us, as well as bringing us out for fellowship over meals. Our souls were further refreshed through the many opportunities to hear God’s Word at the conference meetings, as well as during the Lord’s Day services at Gethsemane BPC, Singapore.
2. Reunited with old friends and like-minded brethren. Indeed, it is just so wonderful to be able to meet and “catch up” with fellow labourers in the Lord’s vineyard, and also with brethren whom we’ve known and been friends for many years since the time I was still studying in FEBC. Moreover, we have the joy of meeting new “additions” to the ever-growing number of labourers in the harvest! I thank the Lord for our brethren from various parts of India whom we’ve met for the first time, and the opportunity to hear of their testimonies. Not to mention the privilege of taking part in the ordination of one preacher into the pastoral ministry.
3. Rejoicing in the Lord as we listened to reports and testimonies from missionaries. Evenings at the conference were spent in hearing mission reports, where we got to see how the Lord has worked in and through the missionaries from various mission fields. It is comforting to hear our “co-labourers” testifying how the Lord enabled them to overcome their respective challenges, and thus to press on with the work.
4. Renewed as we listened to and learned from God’s Word. I thank the Lord for the many opportunities to hear the preaching of God’s Word through the various speakers’ exposition on the theme: “Proclaimers of Faith Under Fire!” Thank God for the very appropriate theme as it gave us the opportunity to examine our own spiritual condition in relation to the ministry that the Lord has entrusted unto us. I have been greatly ministered to by the insights and applications that Pastor Koshy shared with us. Praise God!
5. (Last but not least) Recharged to be able to continue in the work of the ministry. To me, missionary conference is always a time to be re-charged, whereby you “rest awhile” from your daily routine and take some time to be fed and nourished in the Word, in prayer and in fellowship among the brethren. Yes, the assurance from God’s Word, the prayers of God’s people, and testimonies of God’s servants, are just so overwhelming that you will be “stirred” or “fired” up to continue in the work of the Lord.

By God’s grace, my family have returned and arrived safely home (as with the rest of the participants) – and yes, we have been greatly blessed! All praise and glory be unto God!

Elder Eliezer Ortega

“Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name. Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits” (Psalm 103:1-2).

All glory and praise be unto the Lord for the 7th Missionary Conference. It is a great blessing for me and my wife to join the conference. It was indeed a time of spiritual nourishment and outpouring of blessings, both physical and spiritual. 

The Lord be praised for using Pastor Koshy and various ministers of God’s Word to preach to us the respective theme messages. It was a great and blessed time of learning from God’s Word, which stirred our minds and hearts. It was a great opportunity for our spiritual learning and exercise. It has greatly strengthened my faith and love for Jesus. It has also renewed us to a joyful and zealous service for the Lord.

Praise the Lord for the respective missionaries’ reports. Thank God for how He prospers the work in different regions of the world, including our small churches in Bogo and San Antonio, which are part of God’s work in the saving of souls. The Lord’s strength and help in the different struggles and challenges of the missionaries and pastors have assured us of God’s timely help and sufficient grace for our own struggles and challenges.

I thank God also for the opportunity to meet and fellowship with old and new brethren. It was a blessed time of fellowship. Praise the Lord for the brethren who had taken good care of each and every missionary, through their hospitality and gifts. Thanks be unto God also for our hosts, who lovingly welcomed and cared for us in their home.

Thank God also for Pastor Koshy, the Board of Elders, and all those who have laboured hard for the 7th Missionary Conference. Praise be unto the Lord from whom all blessings flow. All glory be unto God!

Sermon Text: Psalm 119:97–107
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 30th June 2024

Amidst immense suffering, Job revealed a profound faith that transcends earthly tribulations when he said, “For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: and though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God: whom I shall see for myself, and mine eyes shall behold, and not another; though my reins be consumed within me” (Job 19:25-27).

Job’s prolonged physical and emotional suffering was compounded by the harsh remarks of his friends. Their unkind and crude remarks did not help to alleviate Job’s distress. Earlier in this chapter, in verses 14 to 21, Job vividly described his dismal circumstances: “My kinsfolk have failed, and my familiar friends have forgotten me. They that dwell in mine house, and my maids, count me for a stranger: I am an alien in their sight. I called my servant, and he gave me no answer; I intreated him with my mouth. My breath is strange to my wife, though I intreated for the children’s sake of mine own body. Yea, young children despised me; I arose, and they spake against me. All my inward friends abhorred me: and they whom I loved are turned against me. My bone cleaveth to my skin and to my flesh, and I am escaped with the skin of my teeth. Have pity upon me, have pity upon me, O ye my friends; for the hand of God hath touched me.”

Amidst such overwhelming misery, which he recognised as permitted by God, Job’s spirit remained remarkably steadfast. Despite his profound anguish, Job’s confidence in God did not waver. He proclaimed with unwavering assurance, “For I know that my redeemer liveth”. Though he had no expectation of any human support, having been abandoned by even his closest kin and friends, Job was unwavering in his belief in a divine Redeemer who lives eternally. Earlier, he said, “Also now, behold, my witness is in heaven, and my record is on high” (Job 16:19). In the depths of his suffering, Job made a remarkable plea. Job placed his trust in God as his Redeemer, the One who would ultimately redeem him from his sins and vindicate him against the false accusations of his peers. 

He expressed his deepest hope that God, in His perfect righteousness, would ultimately stand as a witness to Job’s innocence. This is a fascinating twist because God had seemingly allowed hardship to befall Job, making it appear as if He contradicted Job’s claims. Yet, Job held onto the belief that God’s true nature, His inherent holiness and justice, would one day reveal the truth about Job’s situation. It’s a testament to Job’s unwavering faith that he trusted God to vindicate him, even when God’s actions seemed to suggest otherwise. This unwavering faith of Job serves as a beacon of inspiration, reminding us all to cling to our confidence and hope in the LORD, even in the darkest of times. His resilience in the face of adversity is a testament to the strength of faith in the LORD.

His anticipation extended beyond his present suffering to a future day of deliverance and vindication, a day he referred to with great confidence as “the latter day”. This is the ultimate day towards which all other days converge, the day in which all temporal days culminate. On that day, Job believed his Redeemer would stand to deliver him from death, ransoming him from the grave’s power.

Job’s hope was not limited to mere resurrection, but extended to a glorious resurrection. He expressed this hope vividly: “in my flesh shall I see God”. This reference to “flesh” signifies the new, glorified, incorruptible, spiritual body that the apostle Paul later described in 1 Corinthians 15. Job envisioned not just a return to life, but a transformed existence, where he would behold God with his own eyes in a body impervious to decay and corruption. This anticipation of a future resurrection, free from the limitations of our earthly bodies, can bring us comfort and hope in the midst of our trials, knowing that a glorious future awaits us in the presence of our Redeemer.

This profound hope resonates with all believers who endure trials of faith on this earth, and face the reality of death and the grave’s corruption. The blessed hope of resurrection and life before our Redeemer God is a promise that extends to all who trust in Him. As the apostle Paul writes in 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17, “Now our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God, even our Father, which hath loved us, and hath given us everlasting consolation and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts, and stablish you in every good word and work.”

In the same spirit as Job, believers today can find solace and strength in their Redeemer’s assurance of eternal life and the promise of a future resurrection. This ultimate hope is not merely a distant dream, but a profound reality grounded in the living, redeeming power of God. As we navigate our earthly trials, this hope sustains us, reminding us that our present sufferings are but a prelude to the eternal glory that awaits us in the presence of our Redeemer. Let us, therefore, hold fast to this hope, allowing it to comfort our hearts and establish us in every good word and work, as we await that glorious day when we shall see God face to face.

Sermon Text: 2 Timothy 4:5
Speaker: Pr Ho Kee How
Date: 23rd June 2024