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Jude 17–18—“But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ; how that they told you there should be mockers in the last time, who should walk after their own ungodly lusts.” 

After exposing the character and certain judgment of false teachers, Jude turns tenderly to believers: “But, beloved, remember ye the words which were spoken before of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ” (v. 17). The contrast is striking. While apostates forget, reject, and mock divine truth, God’s people must deliberately remember and hold fast to it.

The apostles had already warned that “there should be mockers in the last time” (v. 18). Thus, the appearance of scoffers and ungodly teachers should neither surprise nor unsettle the church. Their coming had been foretold. Scripture prepares believers beforehand so that the fulfilment of such warnings may strengthen rather than weaken their faith (cf. John 16:1–4).

These “mockers” do more than ridicule Christian doctrine. Jude identifies the root of their opposition: they “walk after their own ungodly lusts”. Their rejection of truth springs from hearts determined to pursue sinful desires. When men refuse God’s authority over their lives, they often mock the truth that condemns their conduct. Ungodly doctrine and ungodly living therefore frequently advance together.

Jude’s remedy for the church is not speculation about apostasy, but remembrance of God’s revealed Word. Believers must measure every teaching and practice by the apostolic Scriptures and remain steadfast in what Christ has made known through His appointed messengers.

We likewise live amid ridicule of biblical truth and increasing acceptance of ungodliness. Let us not be intimidated by mockers or drawn into their ways. Remember the Word, believe its warnings, resist worldly lusts, and continue faithfully in obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ.

Jude 14–15—“And Enoch also, the seventh from Adam, prophesied of these, saying, Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints, to execute judgment upon all, and to convince all that are ungodly among them of all their ungodly deeds which they have ungodly committed, and of all their hard speeches which ungodly sinners have spoken against him.”

These verses lift our eyes from the corruption of false teachers (vv. 4–13) to the certainty of Christ’s coming judgment. Jude reaches back to Enoch, “the seventh from Adam”, who prophesied, “Behold, the Lord cometh with ten thousands of his saints”. Even in the earliest generations, God made known that history would culminate in the Lord’s appearing and righteous judgment. Jude knew Enoch’s prophecy through the Holy Spirit’s inspiration, which ensured its authoritative accuracy.

In Jude 14, the “saints” (or the holy ones) are especially the angels who accompany Christ in judgment, though Scripture also teaches that redeemed believers will be with Him at His coming in glory. In the light of the judgment of the ungodly mentioned in v. 15, it appears that the emphasis of the word “saints” here is on the angels who are described in other parts of the Scripture as the executioners of divine judgment at His return (see Matthew 13:39–41, 49, 50; 24:29–31; 25:31; 2 Thess. 1:7–10).

The emphasis is on the certainty and universality of that judgment. The Lord comes “to execute judgment upon all”. No ungodliness will escape His notice. Jude repeatedly uses the word “ungodly” to expose the true character of the men he has been describing. Their deeds were ungodly, their way of life was ungodly, and even their “hard speeches” were directed against God. Sin is not simply improper behaviour toward others; at its root, it is rebellion against the holy God.

Every sinful deed and defiant word will be judged by His righteousness. Though the wicked may seem bold now, Christ will surely come to judge their words and deeds. Therefore, believers must not imitate the ungodly but live soberly, speak reverently, and walk in holiness, preparing for Christ’s return.

Hebrews 9:28—“So Christ was once offered to bear the sins of many; and unto them that look for him shall he appear the second time without sin unto salvation.”

Hebrews 9:28 brings together Christ’s first coming and His promised return. At His first coming, Christ “was once offered to bear the sins of many.” His sacrifice was complete, sufficient, and unrepeatable. He bore the guilt and punishment for His people’s sins on the cross.

But the verse directs our gaze forward. Christ “shall… appear the second time”. His first appearance was in humiliation to deal with sin; His second appearance will bring the consummation of salvation to those who belong to Him.

The words “without sin” do not imply that Christ ever possessed sin. Rather, when He returns, He will not come again to bear sin as a sacrifice. That work has already been accomplished once for all. He will return to bring His redeemed into the fullness of the salvation He purchased for them.

Those who belong to Christ are described as “those that look for him”. Biblical Christianity therefore fosters expectancy. The believer does not live only for present comforts, ambitions, or achievements. His heart is directed towards the coming of Christ.

Are we truly seeking Him? Such expectation should produce holiness, faithfulness, patience, and courage. If Christ may come, we should not cling too tightly to this passing world.

The Christian’s hope is not merely that present troubles will end, but that Christ Himself will appear.

Let us therefore live each day with our hearts set upon Him, serving faithfully while waiting joyfully for our Saviour’s return.

Hebrews 9:24—“For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us.”

Under the old covenant, the high priest entered the earthly holy place with sacrificial blood. Yet that sanctuary was only a “figure” of the heavenly reality. Christ, our great High Priest, has entered not into an earthly sanctuary but “into heaven itself”.

The words “for us” are especially precious. Christ appears before God on behalf of His people. His saving work did not end with His death and resurrection. The risen and exalted Christ now represents His redeemed before the Father.

This does not mean that Christ must repeatedly offer Himself. Hebrews clearly teaches that His sacrifice was once for all. Rather, His presence in heaven continually attests to the sufficiency and acceptance of His finished work.

What confidence this gives the believer! Our acceptance with God does not rest on the perfection of our prayers, the strength of our faith, or the consistency of our obedience. It rests on Christ, whose sacrifice has been accepted and who now appears before God on our behalf.

When we fail, we must repent. When we are weak, we must seek grace. Yet we need not approach God as though we had no advocate or representative before Him.

Christ is there for His people. Therefore, we may approach God with humble confidence.

When you pray, remember that you do not approach heaven alone. Your great High Priest is already there, appearing in the presence of God for you.

Hebrews 9:14—“How much more shall the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without spot to God, purge your conscience from dead works to serve the living God?”

Hebrews contrasts the sacrifices of the old covenant with Christ’s perfect sacrifice. The blood of bulls and goats could provide ceremonial cleansing, but it could not finally cleanse the conscience of the guilt of sin. Christ’s sacrifice accomplishes what those sacrifices could only foreshadow.

Christ “offered himself without spot to God”. Unlike animal sacrifices, He offered Himself willingly and perfectly. He was without sin, and His sacrifice was presented “through the eternal Spirit.” Therefore, His blood possesses infinite sufficiency to cleanse the guilty conscience of those who trust in Him.

The purpose of this cleansing is not merely to relieve guilt. The verse says that Christ purges the conscience “from dead works to serve the living God”. Salvation turns us away from works that cannot give life and brings us into willing service to God.

A cleansed conscience is therefore no excuse for spiritual inactivity. Grace produces devotion. The one who has been forgiven desires to live for the God who redeemed him.

Many people try to quiet a troubled conscience through good works, religious observance, or self-reformation. Yet none of these can remove the guilt of sin. Only the blood of Christ can truly cleanse.

Do not attempt to serve God to earn cleansing. Come first to Christ for cleansing, and then serve God from a heart made free by grace. The blood that pardons us also prepares us for holy and joyful service to the living God.

Hebrews 8:12—“For I will be merciful to their unrighteousness, and their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more.”

Hebrews 8 presents the blessings and fulfilment of the new covenant, drawing on the promise in Jeremiah 31:31–34. At its heart is this gracious declaration: God will be merciful to the unrighteous and will remember their sins no more.

This does not mean that God literally forgets. The omniscient God cannot lose knowledge. Rather, “I will remember no more” means that He will no longer hold the believer’s sins against him in judgement. The guilt of sin has been dealt with through the atoning work of Christ, the Mediator of the new covenant.

This forgiveness rests entirely on divine mercy. The verse does not say that God forgives because sinners have made themselves worthy. He says, “I will be merciful”. Salvation begins with God’s gracious purpose and is secured by Christ’s sacrifice. Because Christ bore the penalty of sin, God can righteously forgive all who come to Him in faith.

What comfort this brings to the repentant believer! Satan may remind us of our former sins. Our conscience may recall our failures with sorrow. But the believer must rest on God’s covenant promise rather than on fluctuating feelings.

This truth should not make us careless about sin. Rather, forgiven people should hate the sins for which Christ suffered and walk in gratitude before God.

When guilt troubles your heart, look not merely within yourself. Look to God’s promise in Christ. The God who forgives declares concerning His redeemed people, “Their sins and their iniquities will I remember no more”.

Philemon 17—“If thou count me therefore a partner, receive him as myself.”

Paul’s appeal to Philemon reaches a tender and powerful point in this verse. Onesimus, once “unprofitable” (v. 11), was now returning as a changed man and, more importantly, as “a brother beloved” (v. 16). Paul therefore urges Philemon not to receive him merely as a returning servant, but with the affection due to one who now shares the same faith in Christ.

The word “partner” conveys fellowship. Paul was, in effect, asking Philemon, “If you regard me as one who shares with you in the fellowship of the Gospel, then receive Onesimus with the same warmth with which you would receive me.” Christian fellowship must therefore shape Christian relationships. The Gospel does not erase every earthly responsibility, but it profoundly changes how believers regard and treat one another.

Paul’s appeal also illustrates the ministry of reconciliation. He places his relationship with Philemon alongside Onesimus and pleads for a gracious reception. Paul’s intercession beautifully reflects the Gospel spirit of standing with another to promote peace and restoration.

Believers must beware of allowing past offences to permanently define those whom God has changed. Where there is genuine repentance and evidence of grace, forgiveness and restoration should be gladly pursued.

The church should be a place where converted sinners are not continually imprisoned by their past failures. Because Christ has received us by grace, we should be ready to receive one another in love: “Receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:7).

This is The LORD’s Doing!

“This is the LORD’S doing; it is marvellous in our eyes” (Psalm 118:23). Jesus quoted Psalm 118:21-23 in Matthew 21:42 because those verses prophetically described what Israel’s religious leaders were doing to Him and what God would do despite their rejection. As Bible Witness marks twenty-five years, we rejoice that the good news of Christ’s death and resurrection, and the advancement of His kingdom, are the LORD’s doing; and whatever good this ministry has accomplished in serving that purpose is likewise by His gracious hand.

In the year 2000, the work to start a literature ministry began, which was then called Bible Witness Literature Ministry. As the Lord enabled us to produce and disseminate God’s truth through various media and the internet, we called it Bible Witness Media Ministry. Through the Bible Witness Magazine, Gospel tracts, books, internet broadcasts [Bible Witness Web Radio (BWWR) & Bible Witness TV (BWTV)], online resources, retreats, seminars and other avenues of ministry, the Lord has enabled His truth to reach many in Singapore and beyond. Every opportunity, provision and fruit of this ministry testifies to His goodness and faithfulness. “The LORD hath done great things for us; whereof we are glad” (Psalm 126:3).

Our motto has been our risen Lord’s words, “…ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). We thank God for all who sacrificially and faithfully served to steer Bible Witness Media Ministry forward.

Come, Let Us Give Thanks!

Two Evenings of Thanksgiving…

For a quarter of a century, the Lord has graciously guarded, guided, and sustained Bible Witness Media Ministry in the publishing and teaching of His precious Word. As we look back upon these 25 years, we gratefully confess, “Hitherto hath the LORD helped us” (1 Samuel 7:12).

Let us therefore gather this Tuesday and Wednesday, 8th and 9th September, from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, to commemorate the Lord’s faithfulness in enabling Gethsemane B-P Church to establish and sustain the Bible Witness Media Ministry for the dissemination of biblical truths in Singapore and beyond.

A special highlight of the anniversary will be the release of the much anticipated Bible Explorer, Book 1: Genesis 1–26, which is a long-awaited answer to our prayers for sound teaching materials for children. The series includes a Teacher’s Manual and a Student Workbook available for purchase, and Post-Lesson Activity Material (PLAM) and Lesson Aids available for download.

The media team will also present a short video clip that recalls the Lord’s goodness over the years, with reflections and reminiscences from those involved in the ministry.

Our GCC, GYC and Children’s Choir, together with some of our musicians, will render special praise items unto the Lord. In addition, the Bible Witness musicians will release a special digital collection of instrumental renditions of seven hymns prepared in conjunction with the 25th Anniversary Thanksgiving.

…and Bible Lectures

Both nights, as part of the Thanksgiving gathering, there will be lectures on the topic “The Sovereign God and His Covenants”. These lectures seek to refute the notion that God derived or patterned His covenants after Ancient Near Eastern forms, and to affirm their wholly divine origin, authority, and revelation. The lectures will trace their eternal purpose, historical revelation, divinely appointed sacrifices and signs, in particular, the Abrahamic covenant ceremony, and how God made their meaning known to His ancient people.

The claim that God patterned His covenants after Ancient Near Eastern covenant forms is often presented as a historical fact. However, there is no biblical evidence for this claim. Moreover, it raises a serious theological problem, as it risks making fallen human culture the conceptual source from which God supposedly borrowed the forms by which He revealed His redemptive purposes.

When such errors begin to gain acceptance within our congregations, we have a duty not to remain silent. Bible Witness was established to spread and defend the truth of God’s Word. Faithfulness to this calling requires not only the positive proclamation of sound doctrine, but also, when necessary, the exposure and refutation of errors that threaten biblical truth. As new errors arise or old ones gain renewed influence, Bible Witness must continue to speak clearly, graciously and courageously, upholding the authority, sufficiency and purity of God’s revealed Word. Hence, on the occasion of the 25th Anniversary of Bible Witness, we have devoted these two lectures to affirming the divine origin of God’s covenants and refuting the claim that their forms were derived from Ancient Near Eastern practices.

Come early, be seated, and pray for the Lord’s blessings upon our gathering. Let us unite our hearts in grateful praise to the Lord for all that He has done.

A special Bible teaching class will be provided for the children.

Sermon Text: 2 Kings 6:8–23
Speaker: Preacher Cornelius Koshy
Date: 6th September 2026

Philemon 11—“Which in time past was to thee unprofitable, but now profitable to thee and to me.”

Paul writes these words concerning Onesimus, Philemon’s servant, who had left his master and appears to have caused him some loss or injury (vv. 15, 18). Yet, in God’s providence, Onesimus came into contact with Paul during the apostle’s imprisonment and was converted through his ministry. Paul therefore calls him “my son Onesimus, whom I have begotten in my bonds” (v. 10).

The contrast is striking: “in time past…unprofitable, but now profitable”. Onesimus was no longer the man he had formerly been. The grace of God had changed him. Paul was not merely saying that Onesimus had become a more useful servant; he was testifying to the transforming power of the Gospel. A sinner who had once acted wrongly was now a beloved brother who had become useful both to Paul and to Philemon (vv. 12, 16).

This is what saving grace does. “If any man be in Christ, he is a new creature” (2 Corinthians 5:17). Conversion does not merely change a person’s religious profession; it produces a new disposition toward God, righteousness, duty, and others.

Our past failures, therefore, need not determine our future usefulness. This transforming grace also reminds us that believers need not be confined or discouraged by fixed “personality-type” classifications, for the grace of God is able to reshape our attitudes, habits, relationships, and usefulness in ways that natural temperament alone cannot determine. Christ saves sinners not only from guilt but also transforms their lives for His glory. Those who have been unfaithful, selfish, or unprofitable can, by God’s grace, become useful servants.

Let us therefore ask for God’s saving and sanctifying grace to make a visible difference in the way we live, serve, and relate to others.