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The Bible gives us a wide liberty in prayer. We may bring to God anything that is truly needful and pleasing in His sight. Yet Scripture also shows us certain things that every church in every age ought especially to seek from the Lord. Here are ten chief things I am asking of God for our congregation, and I earnestly invite you to labour with me in prayer for these, with repentance, humility, faith, and holy expectancy: 

1. A renewed, close communion with our Triune God – that we will draw near to Him with reverential and yearning hearts, and find delight in His presence day by day (James 4:8).
2. A holy walk marked by Christlikeness – that our thoughts, words, and actions may more clearly reflect our Saviour (Eph. 4:24).
3. A deep enjoyment of His Word – not only to read it, but to love it, understand it, and obey it (Psalm 1:2).
4. Empowered by the Spirit to declare the Gospel, both near and far, and win souls – that Christ may be known and glorified (Acts 1:8).
5. Wisdom to escape the temptations, seductions, and apostasies of our time – that we be enabled to stand firm in the truth (Jude 24).
6. Godly leadership in church and homes – that those who guide others may themselves be guided by the Lord (Acts 20:28).
7. Endurance in trials, marked by courage and the joy of the Lord – that we might suffer well and witness well (James 1:2–3).
8. Love and unity in the church – that divine love, compassion, forgiveness, and warm fellowship may flow freely from one to another (John 13:35).
9. Obtain a good report for faith and good works – that we may bring no reproach upon the name of Christ but glory to our Lord, and be a pattern and cheer to all the saints of Jesus Christ everywhere (Matthew 5:16).
10. Abounding in the hope of Christ’s return and heaven – living in this present world with hearts and eyes fixed on the world to come (Titus 2:13).

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Additional Testimonies of GYF Retreat Participants

Ruben Skariah

I thank God for the privilege to attend another memorable youth retreat. The faithful preaching of the Word and sweet fellowship with fellow youths have brought me much spiritual encouragement.

I have benefited greatly from both workshops. During the first one, we watched a documentary on the battle for Jerusalem during the Six-Day War. We saw how God gave the Israelites an incredible victory over 4 Arab nations: Egypt, Jordan, Syria, and Iraq. We also heard the firsthand accounts of Israeli paratroopers. Pastor then connected the events of the past to the current war in Gaza. It gave me a better understanding of how to respond to friends who express strong pro-Palestinian views against Israel.

The other workshop was on why we use the King James Bible. Pr Cornelius explained that the KJV is the best translation (though we do not say it is a perfect translation), because it faithfully renders the underlying Hebrew and Greek texts, which are preserved by God through the ages. He also highlighted that the translators were God-fearing and academically qualified, and they used a superior translation method known as “formal equivalence”. Finally, the theology and doctrines are more faithfully preserved in the KJV than in many other versions.

The 5 messages on the theme, “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”, prompted me to examine my life in the light of God’s Word. I pray that I will submit myself to God and let Him reign over my life, so that I may not be a servant of sin. May all of us continue to guard our hearts, and be alert to the evils around us.

Jesimiel Lim

Praise God for the Youth Fellowship, where I have been guided, nurtured and equipped spiritually, and where I can serve the Lord and grow with fellow youths!

Thank God for Pastor and Pr Cornelius, who labour to teach us God’s Word from the Book of Judges, 2 Corinthians, and “Old Stories, New Lessons”, during the Gethsemane Youth Bible Hour (GYBH). Praise God for Dns Diana and the Auxiliary Committee, for their godly examples, and their care and support for us youths in our walk with God. I thank God for many precious lessons learnt during our GYBH. I’ve learnt from Gideon’s story that God uses those who are ready and trust in the Lord to serve Him. Jotham’s story taught me never to leave precious opportunities to serve God for seemingly attractive worldly pursuits. The new series on “Old Stories, New Lessons” have been an answered prayer, as I have desired to study these historical Biblical accounts again. One lesson I’ve learnt is that we open ourselves to Satan’s deception when we fail to know God’s Word thoroughly.

Thank God also for an enjoyable youth retreat, and for enabling Pr Cornelius to expound God’s Word on the theme, “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”, giving many relevant applications to our lives. Thank God for the labour of love of the YF Committee and the Auxiliary Committee in organising the YF Retreat, with our spiritual benefit as their utmost priority. The messages helped me to reflect, grieve over past sins, and prepare spiritually for the following year. I’ve learnt that temptations are spiritual tests we face daily, where we either choose to sin or to obey God. May these tests be means for our sanctification, and not arenas of sin. I also pray that God may help me overcome my besetting sins through fasting and prayer.

Additionally, thank God for the two very insightful workshops we had. In “God’s Promised Land for Israel”, we learnt about the history behind the animosity between Israel and its surrounding countries, how every prophecy and promise in God’s Word will come to pass, and were reminded of Jesus’ soon return. The workshop on “Why We Use the King James Bible” helped me understand how God has – by His single care and providence – perfectly preserved His Word, and why the KJV is the most faithful translation—due to the 4 T’s: Text, Translators, Technique and Theology. 

Thank God for all His bountiful blessings, and I pray we youths may grow in love and service unto the Lord. “Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith, charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure heart” (2 Timothy 2:22).

Mehetabel Lim

I thank God for seeing me through another year in the GYF. I especially thank God for Pastor and Pr Cornelius, for their dedication and labour of love to preach on selected topics during each GYBH session. I also thank God for the GYF Committee, the Auxiliary Committee, and every youth who has laboured in various aspects of the GYF throughout the year. 

Thank God also for the opportunity and provision to attend this year’s youth retreat. I praise God especially for the warm fellowship with fellow brethren, as well as for granting us good weather to hold the games, even though it had been raining initially. I’m thankful for the faithful and sound preaching by Pr Cornelius on the theme, “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”, where I learnt many applicable lessons. 

I would like to share a few takeaways on what I have learnt. Firstly, I have learnt that the source of temptation is not from God. Secondly, I have learnt that the existence of temptations is no reason to blame God. Thirdly, I learnt that temptations must be tackled daily. Finally, I learnt that we must not have a sad outlook because of temptations, but instead look forward to the reward for resisting sin. All praise and glory be unto God!

Sermon Text: Psalm 120
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 11th January 2026

1 Thessalonians 1:5a—“For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance^.”

Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the gospel which reached them was far more than a message spoken; it was a divine work experienced. Words alone could never have birthed faith. The gospel came “not in word only,” indicating that its transforming effect did not rest on Paul’s skilled or persuasive speech. What happened among them could only be explained as a divine work.
It came “in power.” This power was not emotional force or rhetorical brilliance. It is the power that opens blind eyes, convicts hardened hearts, breaks the chains of sin, and raises the spiritually dead to new life in Christ.

It came “in the Holy Ghost,” for salvation is the Spirit’s work from beginning to end. He illumined their minds, stirred repentance, birthed faith, and enabled them to stand firm amid persecution. The Spirit authenticated the message by producing spiritual fruit that no human effort could manufacture.

And it came “in much assurance.” This assurance was not mere feeling but the deep, Spirit-wrought conviction that the gospel is true and authentic, that Christ is Lord, and that their lives were now anchored in His saving grace. Such assurance enabled them to endure hardship with unwavering hope.

For us, Paul’s words prompt reflection: Has the gospel come to us merely as sound in the ear, or as power in the heart? And do we rely on the same Spirit today to make God’s Word effective in us and through us?

May we receive and proclaim the gospel with prayer that the same transforming power that first reached Thessalonica would also work through us.

1 Thessalonians 1:4—“Knowing, brethren beloved, your election of God.” 

Paul’s words carry a deep pastoral tenderness. He calls the Thessalonians “brethren beloved,” reminding them that their true identity is not shaped by a hostile world but by God’s steadfast affection. He then adds, “knowing … your election of God.” The word “knowing” (Greek oida) can also mean seeing or perceiving. Paul is not speaking of a secret revelation but of a spiritual perception formed through pastoral observation. He did not determine their election; he discerned it through the fruit evident in their lives.

Paul saw unmistakable signs that the Thessalonian believers belonged to God. He perceived their faith, love, and hope in the midst of suffering (v.3). Such qualities were not natural virtues but the outworking of divine grace. Their steadfastness bore the imprint of God’s choosing—a people set apart before time, called in time, and preserved unto glory.

For Paul, election is not a doctrine intended to provoke speculation but a truth designed to steady hearts. To the afflicted church, it meant they were not accidental, not fragile, and not forgotten by God. They were known, loved, and held by the God of their salvation. Their trials did not contradict God’s choice; rather, their endurance confirmed it. Election assured them that their sufferings were woven into a larger story lovingly authored by a faithful God who completes every work He begins.

For our own hearts, this verse invites searching reflection: What marks of electing love would others see in us? And do we recognise in fellow believers the evidences of God’s electing grace? Such reflection leads us to humble dependence on the Spirit, who alone produces the lasting fruit that displays God’s sovereign work in His people.

1 Thessalonians 1:2—“We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers.”

Paul begins his letter with heartfelt gratitude. Though young, the Thessalonian church had grown under the weight of affliction, facing pressure from both the surrounding pagan culture and hostile Jews. Yet Paul’s heart instinctively rises in thanksgiving to God for them. This is far more than courtesy; it is theology breathing through the life of a shepherd who recognises God’s grace in His flock. Every spark of spiritual life is evidence of God’s sovereign work, and thus, thanksgiving becomes Paul’s natural response.

His gratitude is constant—“always.” He carries the church continually before the Lord, thanking God not only for their existence as His redeemed people but also for the evident fruit of the gospel in their lives. Each believer stands as a testimony that the gospel is alive and powerful.

In verse 3, Paul highlights their “work of faith, labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.” These virtues reveal lives unmistakably shaped by divine grace. Their perseverance under trial and their steadfast hope testify that God’s electing love is active in and through them—chosen before time, preserved in time, and destined for glory.

Paul’s words invite us to examine how we view the church. Do we first see flaws, or do we first see grace? Thanksgiving cultivates honour toward God’s people, reminding us they are His workmanship. As Paul interceded with gratitude, so we are called to pray for fellow believers as gifts of grace entrusted to our care.

Colossians 1:19—“For it pleased the Father that in him should all fulness dwell.” 

The Apostle Paul, in this verse, draws us into the heart of God’s eternal purpose in Christ. Paul has just exalted Christ as the image of the invisible God, the Creator and Sustainer of all things. Now he reaches the stunning conclusion that “it pleased the Father that in him should all fullness dwell.”Every attribute of deity, every expression of divine wisdom, power, grace, and glory, resides fully and permanently in Christ. The word “fulness” (Greek plērōma) indicates nothing lacking, nothing partial. Christ is not a reflection of God; He is God in His totality.

This statement sits within a hymn that magnifies the supremacy of Christ. The Father’s pleasure emphasises not reluctant concession but joyful intention. God has given us  His Son as the complete revelation of Himself, the One in whom all His purposes are centred and through whom redemption flows.

This truth guards the church from any teaching that diminishes Christ. There are no spiritual resources outside Him, no hidden wisdom apart from Him, no saving grace beyond Him. All that God is, all that God gives, all that God accomplishes, He does through Christ, in whom the fullness of deity dwells bodily (Col. 2:9).

What an assurance that our lives may feel fragmented, empty, or insufficient, but Christ is never lacking. In Him is fullness for our emptiness, grace for our sin, strength for our weakness, and peace for our restless hearts. Because the Father delights in His Son, we may rest in the sufficiency of Christ, who is all we need and all we could ever hope for.

Psalm 24:1—“The earth is the LORD’S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.” 

David begins Psalm 24 with a sweeping declaration that reorders our understanding of everything we see and everything we are. He starts with divine ownership of all things on earth. The earth with all its lands, seas, climates, resources, and beauty belongs to the LORD. He is not merely the Creator but the rightful Owner, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all things. “The fullness thereof” expands the vision: every creature, every provision, every system, and every potential woven into creation exists under His authority and for His glory.

David emphasises totality: nothing in the created order lies outside God’s claim. Even “they that dwell therein”, every person who has walked or will walk this earth belong to Him. Humanity exists not independently but dependently, not as owners but as stewards entrusted with God’s world.

This truth affirms divine sovereignty at its highest point. God’s ownership and authority over the earth are absolute. Our lives, our gifts, our resources, and even our breath are not self-generated; they are granted. We do not define reality; we receive it. 

This humbles us before God and causes us to render worship to God for all things we enjoy on this earth. To live as though we own ourselves is to deny the truth of Psalm 24:1.

The fact that God owns all things also brings us deep comfort. If the earth and all who dwell in it belong to the LORD, then so do our uncertainties, losses, and fears. We are not adrift in a world of chance but held by the God who owns all and cares for all. His sovereign ownership becomes our deepest assurance: we are His.

Isaiah 42:8—“I am the LORD: that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images.”

This is a thunderous proclamation in a world eager to divide worship among many voices. God declares His covenant name—the LORD, Jehovah, the I AM that I AM—the name that reveals His self-existence, holiness, and unchanging character. Here, God does more than reveal His identity; He also reserves His glory exclusively for Himself so that no idol, creature, or human accomplishment may claim it. His glory is His alone. It is His absolute claim.

This verse appears in a section that introduces the Servant of the LORD, first portrayed in the opening verses as One through whom God will act powerfully to open blind eyes, liberate captives, and lead His people from darkness. In the latter part of this, the LORD rises as a mighty warrior from His long-held silence, ending in decisive action against idol worshippers.

Yet before describing what He will do, God reminds Israel who He is. The God who acts in history is the God who owns all glory. “My glory will I not give to another” does not reflect insecurity but divine perfection. Glory is the radiance of God’s being—His holiness displayed, His worth revealed, His majesty made known. To give it away would be to deny Himself.

This truth upholds the uniqueness of God, His incomparable identity. He alone creates, sustains, redeems, and rules. Idols, whether carved from wood or fashioned in the hearts (pleasure, power, self, reputation, luxury, wealth, etc.), are unworthy thieves attempting to steal what belongs to Him. Anything that captures our trust and love above God becomes a graven image of the heart. God refuses such robbery.

This brings both warning and comfort. It warns us against divided devotion, yet comforts us with a God whose glory cannot be diminished. The One who will not share His glory is the very One who graciously shares His salvation. Therefore, let us cast down every rival and give God alone the praise due unto His name. His glory is our joy, and His honour our life. 

Matthew 19:29—“And every one that hath forsaken houses, or brethren, or sisters, or father, or mother, or wife, or children, or lands, for my name's sake, shall receive an hundredfold, and shall inherit everlasting life.” 

These words of our Lord remind us that true discipleship carries a cost. Following Christ often requires sacrifices. A true disciple must endure misunderstood relationships, surrender familiar comforts, and set aside earthly possessions and securities. Yet Jesus does not speak to discourage us, but to strengthen us. He assures His followers that no sacrifice made for His name is ever overlooked, forgotten, or wasted.

Christ is not commanding us to despise family or land, but to value Him supremely above all earthly ties. When loyalty to Christ brings loss, He Himself becomes our reward. Believers may lose much in this world, yet Christ promises they will gain far more in Him. As He says, they “shall receive an hundredfold.” This hundredfold is not worldly riches but the rich fellowship of God’s people, the spiritual blessings of His kingdom, and the deep joy of belonging to Christ.

The promise rises even higher: “and shall inherit everlasting life.” Earthly sacrifices last only for a moment, but heavenly rewards endure forever. Whatever believers give up for Christ is returned with immeasurable gain in the life to come. In Him, every loss becomes gain, every sacrifice becomes joy, and every step of faith and obedience leads toward the bliss of everlasting life.

As we have just entered the new year, let us acknowledge the Lord who has carried us to this moment. Every day behind us stands as a testimony – not to our strength, but to His sustaining grace. With renewed hearts, let us commit ourselves afresh to Him, seeking holiness in our walk, discernment in our choices, and steadfast zeal in all our service. In a world marked by spiritual confusion and moral compromise, may the Lord grant us watchful hearts, that we may resist the adversary and remain faithful to Christ. 

As we look back, humility with gratitude must become our proper posture. The Lord has dealt with us far better than we deserve. His patience has outlasted our failures, and His mercy has covered our many shortcomings. Let this remembrance guard us from pride and cultivate in us thankful and obedient spirits. Gratitude is not merely an emotion; it is a way of life shaped by grace received. 

Be assured that you and your families are remembered in prayer. Your burdens, labours, and unseen struggles are not forgotten before God. At the same time, I earnestly covet your prayers, that together we may stand firm and finish well. There is much work yet to be accomplished, many responsibilities entrusted unto us, and real burdens that must be borne with patience and faith. The days ahead will not be idle ones. 

The days ahead remain hidden from our sight, but they are fully known to our God. He goes before His people, ordering every step with wisdom and love. Rest in this promise: “But the God of all grace, who hath called us unto his eternal glory by Christ Jesus, after that ye have suffered a while, make you perfect, stablish, strengthen, settle you” (1 Peter 5:10). May this assurance steady our hearts as we walk forward together in the New Year with faith.

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Testimonies of GYF Retreat Participants

Elizabeth Teong

I thank God for giving me this wonderful opportunity to join this retreat. This was my first youth retreat, and it was very enjoyable. Praise God for all who have made this retreat possible, and for everyone who took care of me. 

Thank God that Pr Cornelius was able to deliver the six theme messages. I have learnt many lessons from this retreat, but one lesson I remember most is theme message 4 – “How not to slide back into past sins”. I have learnt that I should not revisit nor dwell on the past sins, but I should reflect and not do them again. I should also choose my friends wisely, avoid ungodly people, and not allow the distance between God and me to increase. All glory be to God.

Ruth Galarpe

I thank God for the opportunity to join this retreat and for the much-needed fellowship with like-minded brethren. The theme is very timely for me, at an age when sin is more accessible and often easier to justify. I’ve learned that being tempted isn’t the same as sinning; it’s what I choose to do with the temptation that counts. Many of my struggles begin in quiet moments when I feel tired, lonely, or overwhelmed, and temptation often comes disguised as comfort or escape.

This retreat reminded me that yielding is a choice. Every day, I decide whom I will serve. When I surrender my thoughts and actions to God, I experience true freedom. Obedience is protection! There are times when I know what is right yet struggle to do it, and I’ve learned that this struggle does not mean a lack of faith. It means being human, and needing God’s grace.

The hymn, “Come, Thou Fount of Every Blessing”, reminds me that though I am prone to wander, I must actively surrender my heart to God. And because of that surrender, I can continue to fight against sin – not in my strength, but by His grace. All glory be unto Him!

Annabelle Lim

Thank God for the opportunity to attend the youth retreat this year. Being my first, it was very special to me. Thank God for enabling Pr Cornelius to preach to us on: ‘Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin’. Theme message 3, taken from Romans 7:7-25, touched me the most – particularly Romans 7:19-20, which says, “For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me.”

I learnt that the struggle against and hatred of sin are evidence that we are saved. I myself used to think that if I kept struggling with sin, it meant that I was not saved. Sometimes I would get frustrated that temptation remains after conversion, but I realise that as I become more spiritually mature, I will grieve over sin more (Romans 7:21-25). Thank God for clearing many thoughts and misconceptions that I had before the youth retreat. 

I also thank God for how He gave me recovery from my sudden fever on the second day. I thank God for my roommates who reminded me to drink more water and be cautious of what I ate. I also enjoyed the two workshops, and the fun I had in exploring the place with fellow youths. Truly, praise God for blessing me throughout this youth retreat, and for the close fellowship I had with fellow youths.

Judy Chan

Praise God for His mercies in preserving us throughout this retreat. I thank God for blessing the planning committee with unity, wisdom and strength, as well as for helping me serve in the Aux-Comm and carry out my duties as room i/c. I thank God for the opportunity to pray with my roommates, to get to know them, and to hear their testimonies.

I praise God for enabling Pr Cornelius to preach to us faithfully. Among many lessons learned, these two particularly struck me: 

1. When external temptation meets with internal temptation (our lusts), it becomes sin. Therefore, we must be watchful of our surroundings, and yield our hearts to God’s Word.
2. Suppressing our desires will lead to failure because it is based on human strength, but submitting them to God will give us victory because it is divine strength. All glory be to God!

Bernice Tan

Thank God for the three fruitful days spent in fellowship and study of God’s Word. I thank God for enabling Pr Cornelius to share God’s Word with us; the messages were edifying and instructive to us Christian youths in the light of today’s geopolitical circumstances. It was particularly enlightening to learn that temptation itself does not make us evil; the actual issue lies in how we respond when temptation comes. Indeed, we must rely on God’s divine power, not on our own human strength alone, to overcome temptations.

Thank God for also granting the YF Committee and the Aux-Comm the strength and wisdom to organise this retreat. Despite the rainy season, the Lord was ever gracious and granted us good weather to conduct our outdoor activities. Through the carefully crafted workshops and games, not only did we gain a deeper understanding of the Scriptures we studied, but also of how to take our stance as God-fearing Christians. We also had a blessed time of fellowship, and encouraged one another in the Lord.

As the year ends and we return to our respective places of school and work, may the messages we had heard continue to work in our hearts to help us ‘resist the devil’. Praise the Lord!

Clement Tan

First, I like to thank the Lord for His providence throughout the retreat. The good weather, the preaching by Pr Cornelius, and the Aux-Comm’s planning were all provided by the Lord. I thank Him for helping the retreat go smoothly. For example, during the games, it was at first raining quite heavily, but a few minutes later, the rain suddenly stopped, and we were able to proceed with the outdoor games smoothly. This was undoubtedly the Lord’s hand at work.

Second, I praise God for granting us the “tools” to fight the tough battle against sin. I have learnt so many truths from God’s Word about how to guard myself against the temptations of sin in the world. For example, we were taught that temptations are situations of test, and we must rely on God through prayer, admit our inability to overcome sin, and avoid falling into them. Through this retreat, I believe I am better equipped to fight a good fight against sin, even as I witness more worldly temptations around me.

Lastly, I thank God for providing me with a good spiritual environment to mature in the faith. As we were taught in this retreat, watching how those around us flee temptations and sin will strengthen us to do likewise. Therefore, I am grateful to be part of a community of godly youths, and to grow and mature spiritually with them.

The Lord has been a great Help and Sustainer to me during this retreat. May the Lord continue to guard me against sin, and help me fight the good fight against sin.

Parousia Chan

I thank God for granting me the opportunity to attend this year’s youth retreat, in which several messages were preached about our struggles with temptation and sin. I’d like to share three points that I have learnt.

Firstly, I learnt about the distinction between external and internal temptation. External temptations may always be present in the form of things we can see, hear or do, but they will not affect us unless they appeal to internal temptations, which are our own fleshly lusts. Secondly, we must not yield our members as instruments of unrighteousness (Rom 6:13). Instead, we should submit ourselves to the Lord through prayer, and actively use our bodies as instruments of righteousness. Thirdly, God’s law reveals our sins, and we must seek cleansing through the confession of our sins and by trusting Christ’s blood shed for the forgiveness of our sins. Christians will continue to experience a struggle with sin throughout life, but that is proof of our salvation. 

Additionally, thank God for this scenic hilly resort, where we can view His wonderful creation, as well as for the fellowship and laughter shared with fellow campers in this short (3D-2N) but meaningful retreat.

Furthermore, I would also like to thank God for seeing me through the past year. Thank God for the faithful preaching of the Word by Pastor and Pr Cornelius in YF meetings, which are especially relevant to situations we face in life as youths. I’m also very grateful for the blessing of many friends in church who care for and encourage one another throughout the year. All glory be to God!

Reuel Resuma

I praise God for enabling me to attend this year’s youth retreat and for the many spiritual lessons I have learned. I thank God for the YF Committee and the Auxiliary Committee, who meticulously organised this retreat for our spiritual edification. Praise God also for Pr Cornelius, who faithfully expounded God’s Word to us. It was fun playing the games and encouraging to interact with others, even with some whom I have not conversed with in a long time. Truly, I thank God that I could focus on His Word, and have a blessed fellowship with His children. Praise the Lord!

Phoebe Lim

I thank God for this year’s youth retreat and for the many hands that laboured behind the scenes to make this camp a blessed time for us to learn God’s Word and fellowship with the brethren.

Thank God for the faithful preaching of His Word by Pr Cornelius, and for granting him much clarity and discernment in expounding on the theme: “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”. The messages reminded me that the real source of temptation arises from our own inner desires, and that we have no one to blame but ourselves for succumbing to our own lusts (James 1:14). Only through humble submission to God, whereby we bring every desire before Him and yield ourselves to His will, can we gain victory over sin. Following are key lessons I’ve learnt: 

Yielding my body as an instrument of righteousness rather than of sin, where there is a deliberate and continual commitment to live in a manner that honours God in every aspect of life. I pray that I continue to bear a good testimony in places where God has placed me, such as at my workplace, that my words, actions, and thoughts would be pleasing and in accordance with God’s will. My life should never be a cause of offence or a stumbling block to others, but rather a consistent encouragement that points others towards Christ and reflects a godly character.

Living a prayerful and sanctified life by maintaining daily communion with God. Through prayer, I acknowledge that without God’s help and deliverance, I can do nothing of eternal value. Only through abiding in Christ daily can I have discernment to make wise choices amidst worldly influences, and remain guarded against the sins and temptations of this world. 

Having “emergency verses” ready to resist sin (Psalm 119:11). The Word of God, highlighted in Ephesians 6:17 as “the sword of the spirit”, is a strong and powerful weapon in spiritual warfare. I pray that I will continue to walk closely with the Lord and meditate on His Word daily, allowing His truths to guide my responses to temptations in accordance with Scripture.

Rayson Tan

Praise the Lord for His abundant grace and continued blessing upon GYF in 2025, and especially for the recently concluded GYF Retreat. Thank God for a blessed time of sitting under His Word and considering a pertinent theme on: “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin”.

Praise the Lord for enabling Pr Cornelius, as he divided God’s truths to us through the five theme messages, whereby we were reminded that temptation is no respecter of age or spiritual maturity. It comes not only to the young, but also to the mature believers. Both internal and external temptations confront God’s people daily, and therefore the call to “put on the whole armour of God” is our battle cry for all young and old alike to withstand the fiery darts and wiles of the devil. One hymn introduced during the retreat captured this truth succinctly:

“Resist the devil saith the Lord,
His strength to you he gives.
Resist, persist, until he flees,
The crown you shall receive.”

These words reminded us that our own strength never achieves victory over sin, but it is only by humbly relying on God’s power and persevering in obedience. We were also taught biblical ways to resist temptation through prayer, acknowledging our dependence on God; through watchfulness, spiritual vigilance in all our ways; and through yielding our members as instruments of righteousness, soberly reflecting on whom we are yielding to daily – God or sin?

Much praise to the Lord as well for a year of faithful spiritual feeding through Pastor and Pr Cornelius. The Book study on Judges – of the life of Gideon and Abimelech – warned us soberly about ungodly ambition, and reminded us that true success is found only in submission to God’s will. The series, “Old Stories, New Lessons”, by Pr Cornelius brought us back to foundational truths from Creation, the Fall, and Noah’s walk with God. We were reminded that faith means trusting God beyond experience, standing firm in a corrupt world, and persevering in obedience by grace.

Reflecting on all that the Lord has blessed us through the GYF, I’m also grateful for opportunities to serve, particularly in the auxiliary committee in assisting the youth committee. May He continue to help us to endure temptation and press on as strangers and pilgrims, journeying towards our heavenly home. All glory be unto the Lord.

Lim Cuiwen

I thank God for granting me the opportunity to attend this youth fellowship camp. The messages shared throughout the camp were especially impactful to me, and I truly felt that they came at the right time in my life.

Recently, I have been quite busy with both work and studies. In the midst of all these, the people and environments I am exposed to have made me more vulnerable to sin and temptation. I thank God for the spiritual advice and guidance that were given during the camp, especially in helping me reflect more deeply on the choices I make in my daily life, and whether they are in accordance with God’s will. I was reminded of the importance of being watchful and careful in guarding my testimony, and of how even a small action can impact those around me.

Through the messages at the camp, I was also led to reflect on my intentions behind my actions, and whether they are truly aligned with God’s will. “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths” (Proverbs 3:5–6).

Ruhamah Resuma

This year’s youth retreat has been one I’ve anticipated for a very long time. It’s truly been a time of blessing, learning about temptations and how to overcome them, so that I will not sin. The lessons were very enlightening.

I thank God also for all the hard work put into making this retreat smooth and memorable. I remember Pr Cornelius sharing three ways to help me not yield to temptation: firstly, prayer; secondly, watch and be alert in the evil times; and thirdly, do not yield our bodies to unrighteousness. Pr Cornelius also taught us that “temptation” (as a noun) means a time of testing, whereas “tempt” (as the verb form) means “seduce”.

I also can’t forget watching the documentary drama titled, “In Our Hands: Battle for Jerusalem”, and with Pastor’s help, we learned more about Israel both in Biblical times and the present. In addition, the games were unforgettable, and I personally had a lot of fun and hope everyone else did too! The workshop on “Why We Use The KJV” was also very helpful. I learned about five things that made the KJV the best translation: text, translators, technique, theology, and its view on the Trinity. Also, during meals, breaks, and free time, I was able to make new friendships and spend more time with friends. I pray that God will bless us all, and that the Spirit will remind us of the lessons we learned to help us in times of trial.

Nathan Resuma

I thank God for all the blessings I have received during this year’s GYF Retreat. Thank God for helping Pr Cornelius to preach on “Fighting the Good Fight Against Sin” in the theme messages, and for enabling Pastor to teach when he came on the second day. I thank God for enlightening me through the messages on how to fight against sin. I pray that God will help me to apply the lessons I have learned in my life to help me in my service for Him. Praise God for the committee members, adults, and resort staff who worked behind the scenes to make this retreat possible. I thank God for the workshops, especially the first one with the documentary, which has enlightened me from God’s Word on the land of Israel, and “Why We Use the King James Bible”. Last but not least, I thank God for the fellowship and new friends I have made during this retreat.