Sermon Text: Psalm 23:1–6
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th October 2022
Sermon Text: Psalm 23:1–6
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th October 2022
(This article by Pastor Koshy is compiled from several articles he wrote in Bible Witness, Volume 11, Issue 4.)
“Death and life are in the power of the tongue” (Proverbs 18:21). Our speech has the power to either hurt or comfort, destroy or nurture. The potential of the tongue is sobering. So, it needs to be used with much care.
If we do not pay close attention to our speech, it will destroy our Christian testimony. “And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell” (James 3:6). What a startling caution this is against unguarded speech!
The evils that can arise from one’s misuse of speech are beyond measure. From one’s mouth proceed blasphemy, falsehood, slander, scandal, profanity, perjury, obscenity, threatening, ridiculing, boastfulness, and the list of evils goes on and on. Oh, what fiery destruction and shame could proceed from an uncontrolled tongue!
Thus, our Lord Jesus reprimanded His hearers, “O generation of vipers, how can ye, being evil, speak good things? for out of the abundance of the heart the mouth speaketh. A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things” (Matthew 12:34-35). Then He put everyone on notice, warning, “But I say unto you, That every idle word that men shall speak, they shall give account thereof in the day of judgment” (Matthew 12:36).
Christian men and women must take heed that no unwholesome word proceeds from their mouths. In Proverbs 4:23-24, we are exhorted: “Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life. Put away from thee a froward mouth, and perverse lips put far from thee.” Christians must be deliberate in avoiding every form of ungodly speech, and instead in cultivating wise and godly speech. To disregard or to think lightly of the importance of wise speech is to prove oneself to be foolish and unrighteous.
The Book of Proverbs gives special attention to the importance of wise speech. It encourages readers to cultivate speech which builds up their hearers – by promising them that “a man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth” (Proverbs 12:14a).
Proverbs has many wonderful counsels on wise speech, and they are strewn across the entire book, mingled with myriads of counsels on many other subjects. We shall consider in this article (and its continuation next week) the wonderful counsels in Proverbs concerning wise speech.
Wise speech is a distinguishing mark of godly men. It pleases God and brings cheer to its hearers. But foolish speech, which characterises the wicked, dishonours God and troubles men. Proverbs 10:31-32 says, “The mouth of the just bringeth forth wisdom: but the froward tongue shall be cut out. The lips of the righteous know what is acceptable: but the mouth of the wicked speaketh frowardness.”
While the wise man desires excellence in speech, the fool despises it. “Excellent speech becometh not a fool” (Proverbs 17:7a). In Proverbs, a wise man is one who fears God and loves godly wisdom. He always seeks to nurture his speech according to the wisdom that God gives. Only a fool would reject such a noble aspiration.
Proverbs urges us to cultivate wise speech by pointing out its benefits to us. The helpful nature of wise speech is lauded in Proverbs: “the tongue of the wise is health” (Proverbs 12:18b). In other words, a wise man who cautiously utters his words will bring healing to his hearers.
Another verse that speaks of the helpful characteristic of wise speech is Proverbs 18:4, which says, “The words of a man’s mouth are as deep waters, and the wellspring of wisdom as a flowing brook.” The synonymous parallelism in this verse portrays “the words of a man’s mouth” as wise words – which are as “deep waters”, a great reservoir of wisdom and counsel. Moreover, his words flow out like a “brook” to provide wisdom for others.
As much as one’s wise speech honours God and edifies his hearers, it also brings wonderful benefits to himself. “A man shall be satisfied with good by the fruit of his mouth” (Proverbs 12:14a). Likewise, “A man’s belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled” (Proverbs 18:20). Indeed, a man who grows in wise speech will receive this promise of much happiness and satisfaction in life. The phrase “fruit of his mouth”, as with its other occurrences in Proverbs (cf. 12:14; 13:2), refers to good fruits produced by a man’s speech. The phrases, “fruit of his mouth” and “increase of his lips”, are synonymous. They both refer to the benefits of one’s speech.
Another such benefit is further affirmed by Proverbs 14:3b – “the lips of the wise shall preserve them.” Indeed, the words that the wise speak are a protection to themselves and to others who hear and follow them.
In order to help us cultivate wise speech, the Book of Proverbs describes various characteristics of wise speech, as well as provides practical instructions on developing wholesome speech. Truly, blessed is the man who pays heed to these discreet instructions from Proverbs!
(To be continued next week)
Beloved flock of God in Gethsemane BPC,
At last, I also got a taste of what COVID-19 is like, though certainly not in the worst form that took the lives of millions worldwide! Oh, how great is the mercy of God (cf. Lam. 3:22)!
Many of you have sent Whatsapp messages to my wife and me, to encourage us and assure us of your prayers! We are grateful to our elders, preachers, deacons, members and friends, and even children who earnestly prayed for us. Your weekly preacher is still weakly. So, I will not attend Sunday’s worship services and other public activities. If I feel strong by God’s grace, and test negative on Tuesday, I hope to see you all during the prayer meeting.
I was not able to update all of you. I took an opportunity on Friday afternoon, as I found a bit of strength in my body to sit up for a while, to type this pastoral letter to inform all of you briefly about my COVID experience and my present condition.
Last Monday (3rd October) afternoon, I felt tired and feverish. So, I left GMC around 4 p.m. for my home. In the night, the fever shot to 38.9°C. I was also feeling severe aches all over my body. The next day, the fever was unrelenting even though I had taken Panadol six hourly. Later in the day, the self-administered ART showed that I was COVID-positive. More symptoms of COVID flared up on that second evening. The second night of sickness was not easy, with severe throat pain, phlegm, high fever, a stiff lower back, fatigue, etc. Drinking water was a painful experience! I visited the doctor in a unique COVID facility in Tampines Polyclinic on Wednesday. The doctor gave me medications to deal with my COVID symptoms. However, because of my long-term diabetic issues, the doctor recommended that I take PAXLOVID, an antiviral drug, to treat COVID-19 in adults at increased risk of progressing to severe COVID-19. But the clinic advised me to return on Thursday to collect the medicine. I am on Paxlovid until Monday.
The most significant work the LORD has done in me during the last week of sickness and trial was to draw me closer to Him on my bed of affliction, to resolve to serve Him more promptly and passionately if He heals and strengthens me again (cf. Isa. 40:31; Psa. 27:14).
As you gather today, I shall join you in spirit to worship our gracious God. God willing, I hope to listen to the live webcast from home. May God bless our preachers (Cornelius Koshy, Kelvin Lim and Ho Kee How), our elders who lead the worship services, and every one of you who worships and serves the LORD with a reverential and joyful spirit. The LORD Himself bless you.
Desiring to come back strong for the service of the LORD,
Prabhudas Koshy
“Is any among you afflicted? let him pray. Is any merry? let him sing psalms” (James 5:13).
In a local congregation of believers, a variety of experiences may be found at a given time. While some people experience severe afflictions, others are presented with reasons for jubilation. It is also true that all alike are subject to afflictions and happiness. Both those types of experiences can be in different persons or in the same individuals at the same time. And sometimes, change from one extreme to the other can happen suddenly.
Extreme circumstances, if they occur to people whom we love earnestly, can affect our thinking. With varying events, our emotions will also rise and fall accordingly. Such divergent experiences in our congregations would make us wonder whom we should attend to and how we should respond to those situations. As a matter of fact, such extreme situations can happen simultaneously or successively in our church or personal lives.
Christians are urged to carry out their corresponding duties in those varying circumstances. Appropriate spiritual responsibilities, which are mentioned in our text, have to be discharged readily. If we readily carry out our biblical duties, we can minister to people in varying circumstances in the most befitting manner.
What should we do when we find others or ourselves in trying circumstances? The apostle James advises us to pray. “Is any among you afflicted? let him pray.” We should pray, asking God for the wisdom we need to understand the situation and manage it to bring glory to His name (cf. James 1:5). We can pray for His grace to endure troubles (cf. 2 Corinthians 12:7–10). We can also pray if it is His will, that He will remove the troubles. Through prayer, we not only communicate our needs to God but also commune with Him. One of the major divine purposes of our afflictions is that we may draw closer to Him in prayer.
What should we do when we find others or ourselves in a situation of joy and gladness? James says, “Is any merry? let him sing psalms.” Psalms are thanksgiving, worshipful songs to the Lord. Singing psalms to the Lord is the most preferred way of praising and worshipping God for all His benefits in our lives. Joyful experiences are given to us so that a worshipful spirit may be built up within us. While afflictions are sent to teach us to pray, happiness is bestowed so that we may learn to praise Him.
Strong warnings concerning churches and their congregants departing from biblical faith are sounded out repeatedly in Scripture. For instance, 1 Timothy 4:1 – “Now the Spirit speaketh expressly, that in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (cf. Matt. 24:5, 11-12, 24; Mk. 13:21-22; 2 Thess. 2:3; 2 Tim. 3:1-5; 4:4; 2 Pet. 2:1-2; Jude 5-11).
In no uncertain terms, Scripture foretells that many shall depart from the faith in the last days (“latter times”). The apostasy (departure from the biblical faith and living) of some in the church came about because they are “giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”.
Just as “the serpent beguiled Eve through his subtilty,” so their “minds (would) be corrupted from the simplicity that is in Christ” (2 Corinthians 11:3). Satan and his demons’ evil modus operandi is not always discerned and resisted by people. We mustn’t be ignorant of Satan’s devices, lest he should get an advantage of us (cf. 2 Cor. 2:11).
Demonic powers are actively working to instil apostasy in the hearts of people. “For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light” (2 Cor. 11:13-14). Satanic deception is effective because Satan and his messengers disguise themselves as “angels of light”.
While Satan leads some astray through ungodly educators and influencers of the world, he seduces others through false believers and teachers within the church. In every realm of human society, there is satanic deception. In education, politics, science, arts, media, sports, and church, unregenerate people promote seductive falsehoods. The devil, “the father of lies” (John 8:44), empowers them. Having turned their backs on God and the truth (cf. Rom. 1:18-32), the unregenerate become instruments of Satan’s plots (cf. 2 Tim. 2:26; 1 Jn. 2:26). They are beguiled and seduced from the beginning to the end of their lives (Eph. 2:2-3)!
The apostle Peter speaks of their pernicious ways – “For when they speak great swelling words of vanity, they allure through the lusts of the flesh, through much wantonness, those that were clean escaped from them who live in error. While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage” (2 Pet. 2:18-19).
The Biblical prophecy is that “some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils”. The words “giving heed” (from the Greek word, prosechō) denote more than merely listening to something. It means “to assent to”, “to devote oneself to”, or “to cling to something”. The present tense of the participle shows that apostates continually cling to demonic teaching. Though they identify with the Christian faith, their hearts and minds are lured away by deceitful spirits. While the Holy Spirit leads genuine Christians to God’s truth and righteousness, these apostates within the church, led by the unholy spirits, follow damning errors and unholy ways.
Some in the church are led away by sophisticated university professors, wickedly clever writers / speakers, or false religious leaders, who are themselves already victims of demonic spirits. They are peddlers of satanic lies. Their controversial yet fascinating ideas are nothing less than the doctrines of demons! Satan and his agents have fabricated all kinds of lying philosophies and theologies to confuse and deceive. To sit under false teaching that contradicts the truth of Scripture, is to be taught by demons and to put one’s mind and soul in jeopardy.
It is no wonder that the Bible cautions against exposing oneself to false doctrine. Exposing ourselves to such satanic influence is like walking carelessly into a satanic entrapment. To become prey to their ideologies endangers our souls. They are under the sway of “the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience” (Eph. 2:2; cf. 6:12; John 8:44; 12:31; 1 John 5:19). Why would we expose ourselves to that which will cause our souls to be damned?
The apostle John said, “Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world” (1 John 4:1). Many deceivers, Satan’s agents, have gone out into the world. Therefore, we should watch ourselves so that they might not easily influence us. We must also abide in the truths of God’s Word.
As John cautioned, “But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. I have not written unto you because ye know not the truth, but because ye know it, and that no lie is of the truth. Who is a liar but he that denieth that Jesus is the Christ? He is antichrist, that denieth the Father and the Son. Whosoever denieth the Son, the same hath not the Father: (but) he that acknowledgeth the Son hath the Father also. Let that therefore abide in you, which ye have heard from the beginning. If that which ye have heard from the beginning shall remain in you, ye also shall continue in the Son, and in the Father. And this is the promise that he hath promised us, even eternal life” (1 John 2:20-25).
The above admonition is that anyone, who does not abide in the teaching of Christ, does not have God. But the one who abides in the teaching, has both the Father and the Son. The apostle John advises, “If there come any unto you, and bring not this doctrine, receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds” (2 John 10-11).
Sermon Text: Psalm 22:22–31
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd October 2022
Sermon Text: Psalm 22:1–21
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 25th September 2022
Nathanael Chung (Kuching)
I am thankful that I was able to attend the BW Retreat this year, especially with my exams being the very next week after the retreat. However, I learned to put my full trust in God that He will help me perform well, despite giving up a few days’ worth of revision so as to learn His Word. I was already aware that repentance is of significance to the life of a true Christian. However, the emphatic teaching that Christianity without repentance is like “a house without a base” drove home to me the importance of it even more. I am truly grateful to God that He has blessed Pastor Koshy to be able to preach so clearly to us. I pray that God will continue to help me keep the lessons I have learned in my mind at all times, so that I may be a better servant to Him.
Carolyn Koshy
I thank God for His provision, that my family can be in Kuching to attend the first BW Retreat held outside Singapore after several years of Covid restrictions. Many precious lessons have I learnt from the theme, “The Doctrine of Repentance”, of which I will only dish out some very important portions expounded by Pastor that have blessed my physical and spiritual well-being.
2 Chronicles 7:14 defines what repentance is – “If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.” Repentance is acknowledgment and confession of our sins, as we also understand from Psalm 32:5 – “I acknowledged my sin unto thee, and mine iniquity have I not hid. I said, I will confess my transgressions unto the LORD; and thou forgavest the iniquity of my sin.” We must then forsake our sins like the psalmist who said in Psalm 18:23, “… I kept myself from mine iniquity.”
Genuine repentance will bring forth “fruits worthy of repentance”, or else as Jesus warned, “the axe is laid unto the root of the trees: every tree therefore which bringeth not forth good fruit is hewn down, and cast into the fire” (Luke 3:8-9). Genuine repentance will also propel us to do the will of the Father (cf. Matthew 21:28-31).
Proverbs 28:13 warns those who do not repent: “He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall have mercy.” Reluctance to repent brings divine chastisement, as Psalm 32:3-4 tell us: “When I kept silence, my bones waxed old through my roaring all the day long. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer.” Psalm 38:3 illustrates the agony of unrepentant sins – “There is no soundness in my flesh because of thine anger; neither is there any rest in my bones because of my sin.”
God’s children have to recognise sins and their defilement, and the need to constantly repent as Paul has written, “For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin … O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord…” (Romans 7:14, 24-25).
God promises great blessings to His repentant children - “Repent ye therefore, and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, when the times of refreshing shall come from the presence of the Lord” (Acts 3:19)!
Last Thursday (22nd Sept), the following email from Pastor Reggor Galarpe arrived, informing us of an unexpected provision of a vehicle for the church in Cebu. “Now unto him that is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us, unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen” (Ephesians 3:20-21).
Dear Pastor Koshy,
Greetings to you in our Lord’s most blessed Name! With much thanks to our Lord, I would like to share our joy for the Lord’s provision upon the church.
Around lunchtime today, a sales agent from Hyundai knocked on our door to inform us of a delivery of a brand new van, addressed to Gethsemane BPC-Cebu in the care of my name. Initially, I was shocked and suspicious, knowing of the many scams around. But the agent showed me all the documents, even the official receipt that proved it’s fully paid for (PHP 1,315,000.00). It so happened that Eld. Eliezer was around as he had class at GBI that day. I asked him to come down, and together, we received the unit and listened to the agent as he oriented us with the vehicle’s features.
We tried to ask the agent who paid for the purchase, but he said he didn’t know as his manager only told him to deliver the unit. We will try to check with their office, so that we can acknowledge and convey our thanks to this “mysterious” generous person!
But one thing I’m sure of, is that it is the Lord’s provision! Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!
Respectfully yours,
Rev. Reggor
Sermon Text: Psalm 21:1–13
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th September 2022
Isabel Ng
“And God saw their works, that they turned from their evil way; and God repented of the evil, that he had said that he would do unto them; and he did it not” (Jonah 3:10).
I thank God for teaching me “The Doctrine of Repentance”, from His Word through Pastor Koshy during the recent Bible Witness Retreat. True repentance is turning from sin towards God in faith, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
One excellent example from the Bible was the godly response of the people of Nineveh when Jonah eventually preached to them about their wickedness against God, and God’s threat to punish them should they not repent. Many Christians pray about their sins, but few take immediate actions to stop their sins. I learnt that repentance is not a sad or remorse feeling towards sins. King Herod in Mark 6:22-26 was “exceeding sorry”, yet “he would not reject her (Herodias’ daughter)” concerning her wicked request to execute John the Baptist. The rich young ruler was also “very sorrowful” (Luke 18:24) that he had to give up his enormous wealth in order to get eternal life, which proved too much for him to obey. This is the “sorrow of the world (that) worketh death” (2 Corinthians 7:10b), the exact opposite of “godly sorrow (that) worketh repentance to salvation” (2 Corinthians 7:10a).
If we say we want to repent, we must cease from sinning and turn to God. It involves a change of mind, attitude and actual actions to break off (or mortify) sins. Mere conviction in one’s heart or confession of sins is not repentance. Our promise or prayer to God to stop sinning without fulfilling them is a very deceitful thing. True faith bringeth about obedience, so repentance without fruits of repentance is dead repentance. God’s Word has made me aware that confessions of sins (which I do so frequently) are only precursors to true repentance. If we, as true believers, say that “obedience is the very best way to show that you believe”, then we must also affirm that “departing from sin is the very best way to show that you repent”. As Pastor reminded us several times during the retreat, “repentance is permanent business of your hearts” and “a Christian’s life is a life of repentance”. May God help me to repent always, sincerely and rightly, till I reach heaven’s shore.
Chong Wing Keong
By God’s providence and loving kindness, the 21st Bible Witness Retreat at Kuching on “The Doctrine of Repentance” was accompanied with much spiritual refreshing and awakening.
Full knowledge of repentance is essential to true Christianity. Jesus Christ Himself has said that if we do not repent, we will perish. Biblical repentance is an easily misunderstood and misapplied concept that warrants close examination. It is vital therefore to study and know what the Scriptures have to say about repentance.
During the retreat, the participants were truly blessed by the Lord through Pastor Koshy’s teaching, whereby seven messages on repentance were presented in a very systematic and comprehensive way. The 3-day retreat also provided a blessed time of fellowship among the brethren, both from Singapore and Kuching.
All praise be to God for the faithful labour of both the teacher and crew members of the retreat.
Chong Lian Neo
As a homemaker, I endeavour daily to sweep the floor of my house clean of its dust and filth to make it habitable. So, likewise, a believer daily needs to remove the sinful thoughts, unwholesome feelings from his heart. Sins of omission and commission are to be got rid of as well. This can only be done through sincere confessions to our good Lord, Jesus Christ, for He alone can help us to leave sin and live obediently. This is called repentance. Daily, the individual believer needs to guard his heart zealously, not to repeat his sins. This is a major takeaway from the retreat.
Alongside the retreat, I especially enjoyed the warm Christian fellowship that the three days had afforded, as Covid-19 had limited our interactions prior to it.
It was indeed refreshing to be able to stroll leisurely down the River Sarawak to behold its placid waters and nature’s glory that surrounds it. Further ahead was the famous Chinatown, where I enjoyed purchasing local products and watching hawkers ply their trades, especially cooking up delicious local cuisines.
This “getaway” in Kuching to study God’s Word under the tutelage of our beloved pastor is a revitalising experience, which I hope will continue biannually, God willing.
Marcus Chee
Praise and thank God for a blessed time of Bible Witness Retreat! Thank God for His marvellous mercy in allowing us (my wife and I) to attend the retreat and for the precious lessons learnt on “The Doctrine of Repentance”. Through this Bible Witness Retreat, we learnt that repentance involves the acknowledgment, confession, and forsaking of our sins. We also realise what repentance is not, and that it should not be merely lip service or simply feeling sorry for the sins we have committed. Repentance must be derived from a broken and contrite heart (Psalm 51:17), and should cause a real godly change in our lives - towards more holiness and sanctity. We finally would like to thank God for the opportunity to fellowship with like-minded brethren in Christ, especially with the brethren from Kuching. Praise be to God!
Doreen Ng
I am very thankful for the spiritual feeding I have received from the 21st Bible Witness Retreat. The messages have helped me to further appreciate Gospel repentance. Gospel repentance is “repentance unto life”, because the new mind is not merely to depart from evil, but to obtain the life that is found in Christ. Repentance is not merely sorrow for sin. There are many who weep over sin but, without repentance, immediately return to the same sin. Repentance is a change of mind that leads to a changed attitude towards sin, with subsequently a change of conduct, and thereby not going back again to the same sin. Judas Iscariot and Esau showed sorrow for their sins, but they did not repent. Remorse and tears often accompany repentance, but they are not repentance in themselves. Repentance is accompanied by change of conduct, just like the boy mentioned in Jesus’ parable in Matt 21:28-32, who at first refused to work in the vineyard. But he later repented, changed his mind, and then went to work in the vineyard.
Jesus’ first sermon after His baptism and testing in the wilderness was on repentance. All need to repent because all are guilty in God’s sight. Repentance comes before believing (Mark 1:15), before forgiveness (Luke 24:47), and before conversion (Acts 3:19). Repentance is a revolution touching our intellect, emotions, and affecting our will. Repentance is a twofold act: (1) turning from sin, and (2) turning unto God. Turning from sin without turning to God is reformation without regeneration. To receive all spiritual blessings (Eph 1:3), the redeemed sinner should never cease to be penitent.
Dns Diana Chan
I thank God for a very blessed and refreshing 21st Bible Witness Retreat, on “The Doctrine of Repentance”, held from Sept 6-8, 2022, in Kuching.
Thank God for the fellowship and the warm Christian hospitality from Bro. Jeremy Teo, Sis. Niki and their children, as well as Bro. Simon Chung, Sis. Fiona and their children. What a joy to see the youths in Kuching serving together (in the music, logistics and AV ministries) with the brethren from Singapore. Praise the Lord for the blessed opportunity! I also thank God for Dn Lok for coordinating the Retreat, and for Sis Rachel Leong for teaching the children.
I praise God for the spiritual nourishment from God’s Word on “The Doctrine of Repentance”. Thank God for Pastor who expounded this doctrine in great depth and breadth. I have benefited from the many valuable lessons on: ‘What Repentance is Not’, ‘What Repentance is’, ‘Necessity of Repentance in a Christian’s Life’, and ‘Blessings from Repentance’. I learned that I must “acknowledge my sin” unto God (cf. Psalm 32:5); that I must confess my sin and “declare mine iniquity” (cf. Psalm 38:18); and that I must forsake sin and “[keep] myself from mine iniquity” (cf. Psalm 18:23).
Regarding the application of this key doctrine of “repentance”, I realise that even with all my remorse and admission of sin, ultimately, there must be a change in my life. My thoughts, actions, behaviour must change. My life must glorify Christ! In brief, when we repent, there must be a “turn away” from sin, and a “turn towards” Christ. “Turn away mine eyes from beholding vanity; and quicken thou me in thy way” (Psalm 119:37).
May the Lord help us to cease from sin, and live a life that is holy and acceptable unto God.
Lim Hong Kim
I thank God for Pastor Koshy’s faithful exhortations, and Dn Lok’s labour of love, together with the rest of the brethren’s service, for making this Retreat a wonderful spiritual experience. Beng Kheng and myself enjoyed the blessed fellowship. We always look forward to BW Retreats. Once again thank you.
Wilson Low
I thank the Lord for Dn Lok’s faithfulness in the recent Bible Witness Retreat. I have been blessed much by the messages, and rebuked by God’s precepts. May the grace of God abound as I live my life, which He has given me, to glorify His holy name. May the Lord of heaven bless both Pastor Koshy and Dn Lok richly, as they continue to serve the risen eternal Saviour and Lord, for His soon coming is so very near.
Simon Chung (Kuching)
I feel very thankful that the decision was made to hold the 21st BW Retreat here in Kuching, so that the brethren from Calvary Kuching BPC may attend it and have an excellent opportunity for fellowship with the brethren from GBPC, Singapore.
As a long-time Christian, I am not a stranger to the doctrine of repentance. However, my knowledge of it is rather sketchy and haphazard. My biggest takeaway from this Retreat was that I was able to learn Scripture’s comprehensive teaching about repentance. I was able to see it from a higher (that is, biblical) perspective. Thank God that each of the sermons was in-depth and thorough so that I could realign my messy thoughts in the light of Scripture, and revisit most of the relevant Scripture verses of both the Old and New Testaments on the topic of repentance.
It is never easy for Christians to live a holy and righteous life in this sinful world. “My sin”, as David said in Psalm 51:3, “is ever before me.” How I thank God that He forgives all who turn to Him in repentance through Jesus Christ. He shall deliver me from the body of this death through Jesus Christ our Lord. He shall renew me day by day. In Him, I am a new creature. I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. Amen.
Dominic Chung (Kuching)
Praise the Lord that I was able to join the 21st BW Retreat held here in Kuching. I thank God that I had a good fellowship with the brethren from GBPC, Singapore. I am thankful to be able to hear the messages about the topic of repentance, as I wasn’t clear about many aspects of it before. May God help me to understand the lessons and apply them to my daily life, as well as enable me to memorise the relevant Scripture verses and keep them in my heart so that I might not sin against God.
Jeremy Teo (Kuching)
Praise and thanks be to God for the 21st Bible Witness Retreat held recently (Sept 6-8) at the Pullman Hotel in Kuching. It is a biannual event of Bible Witness Media Ministry, of which my family and I have the privilege to attend in person for the very first time. I would like to thank Rev. Koshy and the BOE of Gethsemane B-P Church for their decision to hold the Retreat here in Kuching. It was really a blessed time of learning from the Word of God and of good Christian fellowship.
Initially, I did not think that I could attend all the sermon sessions because of my job commitments, but thank God that He made a way for me, and things turned out well. The theme of the 7 sermons was on “The Doctrine of Repentance”. It is a topic that is very much neglected by the churches today, but also one that is needful for all to hear and obey, especially us who are believers in Christ. Thank God for Pastor Koshy’s love, wisdom and faithfulness in teaching us from the Word of God. Thank God also for Sis Rachel Leong for teaching the young children.
Thank God for Dn Lok for his labour of love, humility and faithfulness in organising the Retreat and managing many tasks. Thank God for all the brethren who have joined this Retreat to draw nigh to God and His people. Participants from Singapore are an encouragement to us. It is never easy to travel overseas, especially in a large group. Truly, thank God for the elderly folks and those who came with their little ones to join this Retreat in spite of the many difficulties and inconveniences they faced – I’m most touched by their exemplary dedication to God.
Our Lord is good, His mercy endureth forever to His people. When we seek Him and His truth, He will provide a way. When we draw nigh to Him sincerely, with true repentance, He will surely draw nigh to us. All praise and glory to His blessed name, now and forevermore.
“I beseech thee for my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds: which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me: whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels” (Philemon 1:10-12).
While the apostle Paul was imprisoned in Rome for the preaching of the Gospel, he met Onesimus, who was not a Christian then. Though it is not stated how Onesimus met Paul, who was languishing in prison, Paul did state that he converted Onesimus to Christ while he was in chains – “…Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds” (v. 10). Onesimus was a runaway slave. His master, Philemon, was a wealthy man from Colossae who became a devout Christian (cf. Colossians 4:9). It seems likely from Paul’s statement in v. 18 that Onesimus took money or possessions from Philemon and fled - “If he hath wronged thee, or oweth thee ought, put that on mine account” (v. 18).
Onesimus escaped from Colossae to Rome (which had taken him a distance that was well over 2,100 km) with the hope of not being recognised and caught. He would have been hoping to hide himself in the multitudes that thronged that city. In the Roman world of Paul’s day, fugitive slaves would flee abroad to large cities and be absorbed into the workforce or attempt to disappear into the subculture of the cities or join groups of robbers. Somehow, Onesimus’ plight put him in contact with Paul, perhaps as a fellow prisoner. Paul took this providentially arranged opportunity to preach the Gospel of Christ to Onesimus, which led to his conversion.
Whenever God provides opportunities to preach the Gospel to those behind bars, we must not miss them. It was also our Lord Jesus’ mission to minister the Gospel to those who were locked up in their sins, crimes and troubles – “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the gospel to the poor; he hath sent me to heal the brokenhearted, to preach deliverance to the captives, and recovering of sight to the blind, to set at liberty them that are bruised, to preach the acceptable year of the Lord” (Luke 4:18-19; cf. Isaiah 61:1).
As Charles Wesley expressed it in his magnificent hymn, “O For a Thousand Tongues”,
“He breaks the power of cancelled sin,
He sets the prisoner free.”
Let us avail ourselves to the preaching of the Gospel to the prisoners, and those who are lost in addictions and the vicious cycle of sinful habits and their brutal consequences. Pray for The Gethsemane Care Ministry and Gethsemane Prison Ministry, and participate in them.
During the TGCM Anniversary Thanksgiving Service on Aug 9th, 2022, Pr Jeremiah Sim presented a report on Gethsemane Prison Ministry. The following is an extract from that report:
In the year 2010, some brethren of Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church (GBPC) were moved in their hearts to reach out to the inmates of Changi Prison with the Gospel message. With the encouragement and support of GBPC’s leadership, our preachers, as well as some brethren from our church and our affiliated churches, endeavoured to bring the precious Gospel truth to the prisoners, praying that they would come to Jesus Christ for their salvation.
While engaging in the prison ministry, we face tough challenges from (i) hardcore criminals who disrupt the classes with their loud conversations, argumentative questions, distracting conduct and gangsterism; (ii) professing Christians who are repeat offenders, having not fully given up their vices and crimes; and (iii) prisoners with personal issues (physical, mental, emotional problems), family issues, mutual disputes /conflicts, etc.
It is solely by God’s abundant grace which worketh in us that we are able to do this work for His glory. We earnestly thank the Lord for granting us the grace, strength, wisdom, patience and boldness, not only to face all the difficulties and challenges, but also to extend our hands with love and compassion to care for their souls.
Gethsemane Prison Ministry is an enormous opportunity to bring the Good News to the prisoners. We praise God for His grace upon us, as we minister and attend to them with much patience and love. We covet your earnest prayers for our prison ministry, particularly for those brethren who are entering the prison to minister the Gospel to the inmates. Pray also for more labourers to serve in this ministry.
Pr Jeremiah, Pr Daniel and Pr Kelvin make weekly visits to Changi Prison to minister the Word; and they are joined by several brethren from our church (Dn Ah Sang, Bro Kenneth, Bro Cayson, Bro David) and sister churches (Bro Samuel Goh, Pr William Goh, Bro Yong). We also thank God for two sisters from True Life B-P Church (Sis Joycelyn and Sis Katherine), who regularly visit the prison for women with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Scripture teaches the church to be always welcoming of those who come with sincere hearts of repentance and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Paul wanted Philemon to receive Onesimus back to fellowship. Paul wrote, “whom I have sent again: thou therefore receive him, that is, mine own bowels” (Philemon 1:12). The church today must continue to welcome prisoners who come to faith in Christ. Through the church, may they experience God’s restoring love and forgiveness.
We thank God for the joy and privilege of receiving several ex-prisoners, who have believed in the Lord Jesus Christ, to the membership and fellowship of our church. Some of them even serve in our church as full-time staff.
It is also my personal joy that, on a few occasions, the Lord had given me the opportunity to minister His Word to ex-prisoners. One of them, whom I visited in Queenstown Prison (before its closure), came to our church upon his release and worshipped the Lord for a few Sundays. Not too long after that, he went back to the world, entangling himself in a life of sin. However, he was struck with a sudden health emergency. I was given an opportunity to minister to him. He did indicate his repentance and renewed his faith before I left his hospital bed. Soon after that, the same day, he passed away.
In 2016, the Lord enabled me to minister to another young man in Changi Prison. I thank the Lord that eventually he came to our church, and now he worships the Lord with his family in our church. There are others also from similar background who presently worship regularly with us. Let us welcome them and encourage them to grow in the wisdom of His Word. May every one of us rejoice that God has commissioned us to a great ministry of liberty and restoration.
Dear Pastor Koshy,
Last Saturday, I let the children in Anda and Candijay (two outstations of Gethsemane B-P Mission Church, Bohol) watch the Bible Witness Web TV. Praise God for the edifying spiritual songs and sound biblical teachings about the Bible. I praise God for enabling me to translate the lessons into Cebuano. The children had a fruitful time answering the activity sheets I printed out for them from biblewitnesstv.com. God willing, every Saturday, I will let the children watch the programme on Bible Witness TV. May the Lord help the children to learn and remember many precious lessons from the Bible. All glory to God. I’m sending you some photos of the children in Anda and Candijay.
—Pr Edsel Locot
