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Christians are strongly warned about the dangers of worldliness by the apostle John: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him. For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world. And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (1 John 2:15–17).

Two specific spiritual dangers are mentioned by the apostle. No Christian should consider these dangers of worldliness to be trivial matters. Herein we have a very crucial message for the modern Christians who are increasingly embracing worldliness.

Worldliness Excludes the Love of the Father

Firstly, John warned: “If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him” (v. 15b); that is to say, such a man has no relationship with God. It is impossible to love the world and God at the same time. Love for the world pushes out love for God, and love for God pushes out love for the world. Love for the world cannot coexist with love for God.

The absolute thrust of this statement by John is striking, and compels careful and serious reflection. The stakes are high. Because the Father’s kingdom is at war with the kingdom of this world, the two will never coexist peacefully. When love for the world increases, love for God dwindles. No human heart can hold these two opposing loves together.

To pledge allegiance to one side is to declare opposition to the other. Worldliness will put you together with all the God-haters of the world. James 4:4 – “Ye adulterers and adulteresses, know ye not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God.”

Because of worldliness, many Christians are vexed and disturbed by the demands of a godly and service-oriented Christian life. The subtle existence of worldliness within the hearts of Christians keeps them away from God and His kingdom. A look at most Christians today tells us that they have much of earth, and little of heaven.

Worldly Christians are not large-hearted or open-handed when it comes to the service of God; they are not willing to spend and be spent. They are not like those whose eyes are ever set on the incorruptible inheritance which God has prepared for them. They have low spiritual vigour, and are apathetic towards the things of God. They want to be engaged as little as possible in the things of God, and indulge more in their worldly comforts. They grudge and murmur about the labour, fatigue, expense and trouble that they have to bear in the service of God’s kingdom.

They would rather cherish the company of worldly men than that of Christians. They choose to stay away from fellowships, prayer meetings and other spiritual activities. They prefer the amusement and enjoyment that the houses of this world offer.They spend more of their time and money in the activities of the world, whether it be shopping, clubbing, watching TV or other entertainment.When the pursuit of the material world increases in their hearts, their delight in the things of God fades away.

This danger is further emphasised by John in v. 16 when he wrote: “For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh, and the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life, is not of the Father, but is of the world.” All that constitute worldliness – the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life – are not of the Father. Once the world takes over the heart of a Christian, he will soon lose his enjoyment of the Father’s love, and his desire to do the Father’s will. The Bible will become boring, and prayer a difficult chore. Even Christian fellowship will seem empty and disappointing. It is not that there is something wrong with those Christian activities, but rather, the Christian’s heart has become worldly.

Worldliness Embraces the Temporal at the Expense of the Eternal

Secondly, John warned: “And the world passeth away, and the lust thereof: but he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (v. 17). The world and its lusts are heading towards everlasting destruction, while the obedient Christian is going to live eternally. The world and the genuine Christian do not share the same destiny.

The world is passing away! It is rushing to eternal hell. Would you buy stock in a company that is sure to go bankrupt? Would you like to spend a day to relax on a sinking ship? Would you like to dance a night away in a nightclub that is on fire? Truly, for anyone to set his heart on the perishing world, it is to inherit heartache and misery at the end.

No reasonable person would lay up treasure where moth and rust destroy, and thieves break in and steal, would they? The apostle Paul said in 1 Corinthians 7:31, “the fashion of this world passeth away.” The world, with all its fashion and lust, is heading towards eternal peril. This is also affirmed by the apostle Peter in 2 Peter 3:7, 10, “But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men... But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in the which the heavens shall pass away with a great noise, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.”

So, if you love the glories and the pageantry of this world, you will pass away together with them. You will not only lose your treasure, but also your soul. If you love the world, it will pass away, taking you along with it. Christians, be cautioned: worldliness distracts us from taking delight in things that abide forever, even doing God’s will. So, if you are stuck in some worldly living, be forewarned of your quick destruction.

Are you surprised that this world and its glories are facing a perilous end? Well, it is going to be worse and worse. Sin is destroying this world. But there is a blessed hope – “he that doeth the will of God abideth for ever” (v. 17b). What is the will of God that you should obey so as to live forever? Jesus gives the answer to this question. He says, “And this is the will of him that sent me, that every one which seeth the Son, and believeth on him, may have everlasting life: and I will raise him up at the last day” (John 6:40). If your heart would love the Lord Jesus and follow His Word, instead of loving and following the world, you will abide forever.

Do not flirt with the world; it will seduce you to destruction. Rather, follow the will of God in Christ Jesus and you will have eternal life.

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd January 2022

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:7–10
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th January 2022

Bible Witness Web Radio began its broadcast in January 2007. Since then, we have been airing biblically sound hymns, spiritual songs, sermons and other Christian audio resources on the internet, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. All glory, thanksgiving and honour should be rendered to our God, who has strengthened us to maintain such biblically sound broadcast in BWWR for the edification of believers.

15 years ago, we had little or no knowledge on developing a web radio for the global proclamation of the sound doctrines of His Word. However, the LORD gave us brethren who could provide technical support and help to develop the content for the web radio. We thank the LORD for the service of everyone who has contributed to the development, running, and upkeeping of BWWR. Over the past 15 years, some who were instrumental in the setting up of the ministry have moved on; yet, the LORD, in His mercy, further provided skilled and dedicated brethren. So, BWWR continues to create more edifying content, and make further improvements to the quality of the broadcast.

On BWWR, you can listen to special programmes catering to the edification of various groups of listeners. For example:

• Faithful Men is aimed at teaching and building up men in families, churches, workplaces and every area of their calling, in order to equip them to be faithful, godly leaders in their homes, church and society. Rise up, O men of God!
• Women of Virtue caters especially towards sisters in the church to help them develop godly virtues and grow spiritually, that they may effectively fulfil their roles at home and in the church.
• Youth Bible Hour provides biblical resources, which are profitable for godly instruction, that youths may become strong in their devotion to Jesus Christ and follow Him in accordance with His Word – with the prayer that they will “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).

On the BWWR webpage, the above programmes and some others are made available on an “on-demand” basis. More contents are also enumerated in its daily content lists, such as Readings from the Bible, Daily Devotions, Biblical Exhortations for Inquisitive Souls, Sermon Extracts, Hymns and Spiritual Songs, and Christian Poems.

We express our heartfelt thanks to all who have prayed for, and have supported BWWR through love gifts and service. Gethsemane preachers, elders, choirs and many members, including our children, have laboured joyfully over the years; surely, the Lord will not forget their work and labour of love, which they have shown towards His name through their service in BWWR (cf. Hebrews 6:10). A good part of our daily programme is Christian music – and in this regard, we thank the Lord for several godly Christian musicians and Christian recording groups that have allowed us to use their music and songs.

The Lord’s continuous enablement has sustained the ministry, despite the many challenges and struggles which could have rendered BWWR incapable of functioning. All glory be to our gracious God, who has deemed it His pleasure to bless BWWR as part of Gethsemane B-P Church’s effort for the worldwide Gospel ministry!

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“Thy Kingdom Come” Music Album

In thanksgiving to the Lord for 15 years of Bible Witness Web Radio, the Gethsemane Church Choir in conjunction with BWWR has released an album of 12 hymns that can be played or downloaded for free through the Bible Witness website or on our church app.

The 12 hymns range from praises for the first coming of Jesus, to prayers and preparation for His second coming. Hence, the ideas of Jesus’ redemptive plan and His present reign in believers’ hearts, even an expectant hope for His complete rule, are summed up in the phrase, “Thy Kingdom Come”.

The 12 hymns are:

1. O Jesus, So Sweet
2. That Beautiful Name
3. Jesus Loves Even Me
4. There’s a Gladness in My Heart
5. May Jesus Christ Be Praised
6. Holy, Holy, Holy
7. Blessed Be the Name
8. Fill Me Breath of God
9. All For Jesus
10. When This Passing World is Done
11. Higher Ground
12. Thy Kingdom Come

To listen, please go to biblewitness.com/kingdom. To listen on the app, just search for “Gethsemane BPC” in your app store to get started.

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:6
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 9th January 2022

What is Worldliness?

Worldliness is not the appreciation of the beauty of the physical world that God has created (cf. Psalm 8:3; Romans 1:19-20). It is also not referring to one’s engagement in serious study or the carrying out of one’s business with fervency (cf. Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12).

However, if one engages in any of these endeavours at the expense of God’s will and His glory, then it is worldliness. Jesus said, “No man can serve two masters: for either he will hate the one, and love the other; or else he will hold to the one, and despise the other. Ye cannot serve God and mammon” (Matthew 6:24). “Mammon” is an Aramaic word for an idol which the ancient Aramaic world worshipped as the god of wealth; as such, it came to represent all kinds of material possessions and profits. A captivation with material wealth and glory that hinders the soul from loving and obeying God is worldliness. We cannot love God and the world at the same time. James 4:4 unequivocally declares that “the friendship of the world is enmity with God”, and “whosoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God”. If one loves the world, there will be no room in his heart for the love of God.

Are your earthly engagements constantly distracting you from spiritual activities (“means of grace”) and stunting your spiritual progress? If so, then you are affected by worldliness. A preoccupation with the cares and riches of the world will inevitably prompt a scandalous departure from God and His will concerning His people (cf. Matthew 13:22; Mark 4:19). Christians ought to be fascinated with God’s glory and not that of the world.

According to biblical truths, worldliness can also be equated with the acceptance of and the engagement with ungodly philosophies, passions, fashions, amusements and activities of the world. All worldly practices that draw the soul away into ungodliness are considered as worldliness. Thus, “the grace of God that bringeth salvation” teaches us that “denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world” (Titus 2:11-12).

Worldliness, then, is the unholy conduct of the unregenerate people which Christians should avoid. In fact, Christians are exhorted, “Mortify therefore your members which are upon the earth; fornication, uncleanness, inordinate affection, evil concupiscence, and covetousness, which is idolatry: for which things’ sake the wrath of God cometh on the children of disobedience: in the which ye also walked some time, when ye lived in them. But now ye also put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication out of your mouth. Lie not one to another, seeing that ye have put off the old man with his deeds” (Colossians 3:5-9).

Christians are strongly warned by the apostle John: “Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world” (1 John 2:15). The term “world” here refers to the ungodly or wicked systems of the world. John also forewarned that “the whole world lieth in wickedness” (1 John 5:19b). This is corroborated by the apostle Peter’s language, when he warned against being entangled in “the pollutions of the world” (2 Peter 2:20). Likewise, the apostle Paul admonished us that to walk after the ways of the world is to be under the direction of the prince (or god) of this world – the devil – and his demonic forces (cf. 2 Corinthians 4:4; Ephesians 2:2; 6:12). Hence, loving the activities and amusements of the world, which are satanic and contrary to God’s holy and perfect will, is prohibited in God’s Word.

Sadly, there is much worldliness among the saints!

Especially in these days, worldliness is found in great measure among the saints. Churches are worldly. Worship services are worldly. Pastors, preachers and their families are worldly. Elders, deacons and their families are worldly. Churchgoers are worldly. Their homes and businesses are altars of worldliness.
Christians are living like worldlings. Churches are producing more carnal men than saints of God. Few today separate themselves from worldliness. There is hardly a distinguishable boundary that separates Christians from the world. In fact, many go to church with the hope that this will give them the material prosperity they are craving for. They refuse to believe that godliness may lead to much loss of material comfort. So many fall away from the church when their wealth, health, houses, businesses and other secular interests are endangered.

There is also worldliness in the motives and actions of many Christians. There is worldliness in their domestic life and in their interaction with society. There is worldliness in the education of their family members. There is worldliness in their businesses and employment. There is worldliness in their expenditure – so much being laid out for self-pleasure and self-glory, and so little for God. There is worldliness in their religious schemes and activities. There is worldliness in their reading material and conversations, and there is worldliness in their sports and entertainment. In short, there is too much of the spirit of obsessive worldliness in the lives of a great number of saints.

Are you, my reader, more concerned about your worldly advancement than spiritual advancement? Do you sacrifice your spiritual nourishment for worldly gain? Have you been too occupied with material and sensual matters, rather than the Lord, His church and His truth? If your answers to these questions are “yes”, then you are being gripped by worldliness! Repent, and turn to the Lord now.

Sermon Text: Galatians 6:4–5
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd January 2022

As has been announced, today five brothers (Gan Chin Hwi, Benny Skariah, Norefel Resuma, Lim Ah Sang, John Zhang) and a sister (Diana Chan), who were nominated and appointed by the Board of Elders, will be presented (via Zoom) to the congregation for their affirmation. Dn Lok Kwok Wah, who has been serving for the past 14 years as a deacon, will continue his service in this office. So, there will be a total of seven to labour in the diaconate office of Gethsemane B-P Church.

In Acts 6, which is generally considered as referring to the first group of seven men who were appointed to diaconal duties, we see them being specifically tasked with caring for the physical needs of the widows, especially concerning their need for food (Acts 6:1-2). They were Spirit-filled men with good reputations, chosen to “serve tables” (6:2). Their service was, at the same time, to help the apostles and to relieve them of “this business” (Acts 6:3).

The above biblical record serves as a model for the men appointed as deacons. Their task involves caring for the needy (or the ministry of mercy) and managing the finance (or administrative stewardship). They are also helpful to the pastors and elders in supervising the congregation by attending to their assigned matters. Generally, deacons are called to serve the physical needs of the church, both corporately and individually. They must demonstrate gifts of service, mercy, helps, administration as they care for the needy, handle funds on behalf of the congregation, take care of the church’s property and equipment, help coordinate church meetings, etc.

In the biblical records, women appointed in the diaconate cared for the needy. 1 Timothy 5:9-10 state that women who were “taken into the number” (very likely as deaconesses) were those who were “well reported of for good works;… have brought up children, … have lodged strangers, … have washed the saints’ feet, …. have relieved the afflicted, … have diligently followed every good work”. John Calvin commented, “For there was no public office which women could discharge save that of devoting themselves to the service of the poor” (Institutes, 4.3.9). Calvin did not see those women as overseeing (or leading) the mercy ministry of the church, but serving “to perform a public ministry of the church toward the poor, and to labour with all zeal, assiduity, and diligences, in offices of charity” (Institutes, 4.13.19). Calvin did believe that women could serve the poor and the needy, and did not hesitate from calling them “deaconesses”. Indeed, these deaconesses, being “aged women”, ministered to the younger women in the church (cf. Titus 2:3-5). Deaconesses are not called to oversee or rule the church, but to humbly serve among the brethren.

When the early church became better organised with the help of the appointed men to diaconate ministry, there were astonishing results. The church in Jerusalem not only prevented a split within the congregation, but also (as Acts 6:7 reports) witnessed the blessed fact that “the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of the priests were obedient to the faith.”

With the appointment and affirmation of more deacons in our church, let us pray that the church ministries will be better organised, the brethren and their needs duly cared for, and thus contributing to we becoming a powerful witness as a unified and well-taught church to the lost world.

May our deacons exalt Jesus Christ through their humble, ready and faithful service in the church. May their exercise of God-given gifts resolve any shortcoming that would hinder the proclamation of the Word, and build up the congregation in truth and love for reverential worship and for fruitful work of the ministry.

To Appropriately Give Thanks to God

(Gideon Lee’s testimony was shared with the youths on 18 December 2021, which was to be his last fellowship meeting with the GYF in 2021, before moving to the GYAF in 2022.)

As I approach a reflective time of the year and retrospectively think on the Lord’s guidance upon me in the past six years in Gethsemane B-P Church and in the Youth Fellowship, I would like to appropriately give thanks to God for all His goodness shown to me. In particular, the Lord has helped me to transition from school to work in the past year, and has shown me that He indeed provides for all my needs. I am reminded of what the Lord said to the Israelites, when He commanded His people to “remember all the way which the LORD thy God led thee these forty years in the wilderness, to humble thee, and to prove thee, to know what was in thine heart, whether thou wouldest keep his commandments, or no” (Deut 8:2).

Moses further recounted to the Israelites concerning how the LORD had “humbled thee, and suffered thee to hunger, and fed thee with manna, which thou knewest not, neither did thy fathers know; that he might make thee know that man doth not live by bread only, but by every word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the LORD doth man live. Thy raiment waxed not old upon thee, neither did thy foot swell, these forty years. Thou shalt also consider in thine heart, that, as a man chasteneth his son, so the LORD thy God chasteneth thee. Therefore thou shalt keep the commandments of the LORD thy God, to walk in his ways, and to fear him. … When thou hast eaten and art full, then thou shalt bless the LORD thy God for the good land which he hath given thee. Beware that thou forget not the LORD thy God, in not keeping his commandments, and his judgments, and his statutes, which I command thee this day: lest when thou hast eaten and art full, and hast built goodly houses, and dwelt therein; and when thy herds and thy flocks multiply, and thy silver and thy gold is multiplied, and all that thou hast is multiplied; then thine heart be lifted up, and thou forget the LORD thy God, which brought thee forth out of the land of Egypt, from the house of bondage” (Deut 8:3-6, 10-14).

I understand this passage to be God’s personal interaction with the Israelites. He asked them to appropriately give thanks; not to forget Him or become proud. He reminds them to remember the tough times they went through, which were times of chastening from their heavenly Father, the LORD God of Israel. Likewise, when I look back upon the past year, and the many years in the Youth Fellowship, I am compelled to have the right response to His providential leading in my life, through both the “good” and “bad” times.

Praise be to my heavenly Father who chastens and cheers me! The LORD has taught me many spiritual lessons in my time with the GYF. May I never forget His benefits in my life, but respond appropriately by diligently keeping His commandments, judgments and statutes, lest my heart be lifted up with pride. All glory be to God for His leading in my life. May I continue to follow Him and grow in the knowledge of His Word, as I entrust my future to Him.

Beloved in Christ,

The Gospel-writers, Matthew and Luke, began their stories of Jesus with His conception and birth in Nazareth and Bethlehem, whereas Mark began his narrative of Christ’s earthly ministry with the story of His baptism by John the Baptiser. The fourth Gospel-writer, John, began to tell the story of Christ with the narration of Him being in eternity before the creation of the world. Then, he went on to give a special perspective of Christ’s birth into this world as the True Light that burst forth into the dark world – “That was the true Light, which lighteth every man that cometh into the world” (John 1:9). Soon he also adds, “And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth” (John 1:14).

The Lord Jesus Christ came to make all who receive Him to be partakers of His glory, grace and truth. How glorious is this privilege that He has come to give us! What a blessing we are bestowed with through the coming of Jesus Christ as our Saviour! May every one of us grow daily unto Him, and be filled with all spiritual blessings to shine forth amid the darkening hours of this world.

Today, let us give thanks to God for the gift of our Saviour. We have much to rejoice today as we witness the receiving of brethren into the church membership (through baptism, reaffirmation of faith and transfer of membership), and the ordination of Eld Low Boon Siang. Let us be grateful for all His glorious work in our midst, and give ourselves to His service and honour.

Wishing all of you, “A Blessed Christmas & A Happy New Year!”

In His service,
Pastor Prabhudas Koshy

Testimonies of New Members

Gabriel Curren

I was baptised as a child in New Life Presbyterian Church. My family moved around different churches often. For many years in my youth, God to me seemed to be some far-off concept out of a textbook that didn’t have a personal place in my life. In my youthful years, I plunged into a life of worldly pleasure and sin. I found myself in many adverse circumstances, mostly due to my own sins.

It was in mid-2016 when God pulled my act together and showed me how everything worked out for good, even when I had no part in contributing to it. Because of His mercies towards me, I was not consumed even though I wandered from His righteous ways. I am very thankful to God. I pray that He will help me bring glory to Christ, my Saviour and Lord, in whatever way possible and never let me drown in sin again.

My wife Roanne and I have been edified through the fellowship of the brethren and the ministry of God’s Word in Gethsemane B-P Church. I thank God for the opportunity to become members of the church to worship and serve Him with the rest of the brethren there.

Ho Ru’En Roanne

I grew up in a Christian household — my family attended a Brethren church and I regularly attended Sunday School. While I’ve always known God existed, I never truly understood what it really meant. I attended church because my parents attended church, and I believed in God because my parents said He was real.

As I got older, I started to question my faith, and after a tumultuous period in my life, I realised how prideful I had been and how far I had fallen away from God. It was then that I truly accepted Christ as my Saviour, and I got baptised in my family’s church. My husband later introduced me to the B-P practices, and we decided that the B-P church would be best for our spiritual growth.

I know that my walk with God is far from over — I hope to continue growing closer to God, and be part of the Gethsemane community, serving in the church in a manner that can bring glory to God.

Kelvin Kiew

Since my schooling days, I have always like Science and am amazed by the beauty and wonder of all living creatures and non-living things on the earth and in the universe. For the first 40 years of my life, I did not have the notion nor belief that there is a God who created and governs the whole universe.
But in 1995, I was encouraged by my wife to attend a series of sermons by a Taiwanese old pastor, organised by Glory Presbyterian Church (GPC). I was convinced by the abundant verses in the Bible on Creation by God, and the Gospel of salvation for sinful human beings who are created in the image of God, which makes us unique among all living creatures.

I came to believe that there is a great Creator and Designer of the whole universe, through the love and Gospel-sharing by an evangelism team from GPC. I accepted Jesus Christ as my personal Saviour and was baptised in 1995. I am deeply grateful to my wife for leading me to GPC, and also to the church pastor who later led my mum to accept Christ in 1997 (before she passed away that year due to acute leukaemia). We worshipped in GPC for 5 years, then in Bartley Christian Church for more than 10 years, and subsequently in Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church for about 2 years.

It was in 2013 when our son met a Catholic girl during his overseas studies, that my wife and I started to examine the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC). We found that the RCC faith is different from the Christian faith of Protestant churches. Even among the Protestant churches of numerous denominations, there are different extent of deviations and distortions in their gospel teachings, compared to the Scriptures. Among the churches we had worshipped or visited, we find Gethsemane (where we have worshipped in since Aug 2019) to be one of the more faithful churches in Singapore.
We praise the Lord for leading us to become members of Gethsemane B-P Church!

Kelly Kiew-Ng

When I was in my teens, I often wondered what would happen after the earth passed away. My thinking was that life on earth and the earth itself could not continue to exist forever and ever. Not knowing God then, I was perplexed concerning eternity.

By God’s grace, He led a sister from Campus Navigator to share the Gospel with me and I accepted Christ as my Lord and Saviour in 1979. But for many years I did not attend any church. It was only in 1995 when my husband became a Christian, that we both started to attend a bilingual worship service in Glory Presbyterian Church, where we were baptised. After 5 years, we decided to look for a church nearer our residence in Serangoon, so that it would be more convenient for our children to attend worship service, and fellowship on their own when they grew up.

We spent a couple of years looking for a suitable church, and on my husband’s ex-colleague’s recommendation, we finally settled in Bartley Christian Church (BCC), an independent church, where we would worship and serve in the Chinese service for more than 10 years till 2016. From 2012 onwards, I began to be affected spiritually when the cell groups were asked to study and discuss Rick Warren’s 40 days of community book, as well as to partner with a non-Christian group to minister and help out in an old-folks home. I did not take part in the discussion or in the community work at the old-folks home. BCC also invited a worship team from the International House of Prayer (IHOP) in Kansas City to conduct a worship conference. Concerns were raised about the false teachings of Rick Warren and IHOP, but the church leaders did not deem they were valid.

Being a worship leader in the Chinese service (not knowing then that women are not to exercise leadership over men), I read up to learn about worship matters and realised the gravity of not worshipping God according to His way (cf. Lev 10:1-3). I began to see the man-centredness in BCC’s contemporary worship, preaching and evangelistic outreach programmes.

When I knew I could no longer remain in BCC and also desired our younger son who worshipped in the English service to listen to solid biblical preaching from the pulpit, I shared my concerns with my husband and younger son. Together we decided to leave BCC in June 2016. Thereafter, we worshipped for about 2 years in Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church, whose pastor was an American.

When our elder son met a Catholic girl during his overseas studies, my husband and I began in 2013 to look into the teachings of the Roman Catholic Church (RCC), in comparison with the Holy Scripture. It dawned upon us that the RCC is promoting false teachings and a false gospel. Seeing that the grandiose “salvation plan” of the RCC could not save anyone, the simple yet glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ became to me even more precious! Over time, we also learned of the Protestant Reformation, John Calvin’s “TULIP”, the 5 “solas”, the “Evangelicals & Catholics Together” venture, the ecumenical movement, and the end-time one-world religion.

I wanted to find a church where I could worship together with my family, and grow in the knowledge of God and His Word. We made one-time visits to Zion B-P Church and Tabernacle B-P Church, before our first visit to Gethsemane B-P Church in Aug 2019 (after listening to many sermons by Pastor Koshy and watching YouTube videos on the history of the Bible-Presbyterian movement and also the history of Gethsemane B-P Church).

I thank God for leading us to Gethsemane, for Pastor Koshy’s faithfulness and boldness in preaching God’s Word to reprove, rebuke and exhort with all longsuffering and doctrine (2 Tim 4:2), unto godly living and good works, as well as the elders’ faithfulness to Scripture and in protecting the flock of Jesus Christ from false teachers and false teachings.

In these perilous times, may the present and future church leaders remain faithful, and may the church members not be found among those mentioned in 2 Tim 4:3-4, but be like those in Acts 17:11. May God’s protection and blessings be upon all in Gethsemane.

Joshua Kiew

I was born in a Christian family and followed my parents to Glory Presbyterian Church for Sunday School, then a few years later to Bartley Christian Church (BCC) to attend worship services and cell groups (CG) meetings.

In 2008, our family travelled with my parents’ CG mates from BCC to Malaysia for a short vacation. It was during this trip that I accepted Jesus Christ as my Saviour after a brother shared the Gospel with me.
Despite the many years in BCC, I found myself not spiritually fed from the preaching and CG meetings. So I agreed to leave BCC with my parents in 2016, and we went to Covenant Evangelical Reformed Church where I was baptised, and we worshipped there for about 2 years before we came to Gethsemane.
As a Christian in my younger days, I never really understood the purpose of having to wake up early every Sunday morning to go to church. As such, I began to dislike going to church and dreaded every Sunday of the week. But glory be to God – as I grew and matured over the years with the help of my parents, siblings and church friends, I was gradually freed from that wrong thought. Being able to worship God in a church is a privilege and a blessing that every Christian should be thankful for. During my schooling, army and working days, my eyes were opened to the world that we live in – secular and carnal. It is undeniable that some things of this world are attractive enough to pull us away from Christ, and many Christians have fallen to temptations. But I have learnt in Proverbs 16:6 that “By mercy and truth iniquity is purged: and by the fear of the LORD men depart from evil.” Truly, a man who lives his life in the fear of the Lord and in accordance with His Word will deny worldly lusts.

Praise God for bringing my parents and I to Gethsemane, where we may grow spiritually from the church ministry and the faithful preaching of His Word.

Siew Ruth

I reaffirmed my faith on Christmas 2016, having been baptised as an infant in Calvary Pandan B-P Church. Growing up, I was blessed to have sound, biblical teachings at fellowship groups and worship services. I also thank God for giving me grace to serve, and for granting me fellowship of Christian friends (both young and old) for my rebuke, comfort and edification.

I had foolish ideas growing up. There was a period of time during my tertiary studies that in my pride I did not see why we had to thank God, seeing that I could easily get things done myself. A gentle reminder from God’s Word, through my good friend Dana, sharply drove home the point that each day is given by the sovereign God. “And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?” (Dan 4:35). This verse also served to remind me that it was fruitless standing in my then rebellious / proud ways towards God; it is better to submit to His wise and good ways.

I first visited Gethsemane in February 2021, which has been for me a blessed experience, being surrounded by brethren who understood their convictions well and encouraged me likewise. I enjoyed hearing the Word preached in a clear, loving and directly applicable manner through the sermons and also through the Bible Witness magazines.

May our church remain faithful to God and His Word in these last days, for the mutual edification and blessing of the saints.

Jeffrey Leow

I grew up in a non-Christian home. The first Christian in my family was my elder brother, who was someone I look up to as a role model. He had tutored me for my Primary School Leaving Examination; I remembered on the Monday morning of my first paper, he took time before we left home to pray with me. It was my first real communication with God, and I was glad.

Subsequently he brought me to church. I recall that during Secondary 1, I made a decision to confess before God my sinful nature, and to invite Him to come into my heart and be my personal Saviour. Over the years, I grew slowly but steadily in the knowledge of God, the Bible, and what it means to be Christian. Though church-less briefly (due to my brother’s departure to overseas and parental objection), I’ve learnt to trust God and put my faith in Him in all things I do. A memorable highlight in my Christian life was from 2004 to 2006, when my then-girlfriend Vanessa brought me to Calvary Pandan B-P Church, where I was introduced to the traditional and meaningful liturgy of worship and Bible-based preaching.
God also blessed me richly during those early adult years, through the preaching and life of the late Rev (Dr) Tow Siang Hwa. When I was studying in Melbourne, I regularly attended Ebenezer B-P Church, where the late Rev (Dr) Patrick Tan was pastor. I was convicted to take the outward step to profess my inward faith, and made a personal decision to consecrate my life to the LORD, and was baptised by Pastor Tan in 2007. I pray that I can continue to “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).

Vanessa Leow

Although I was brought up in a non-Christian family, I thank God for giving me the opportunity to attend Calvary BPC Kindergarten and CMC when I was young. It was through these that I was able to learn more about the Christian faith through many Bible stories.

I was in Primary 6 when I accepted God as my personal Lord and Saviour. Since then, I attended church and junior worship every Sunday with my aunties. I also thank God for my Aunties Beng Yan and Beng Hwee, who constantly encouraged me to go to church on Sunday and sometimes would offer to give me a lift. I thank God that He brought me to Gethsemane B-P Church through my aunties as well. We participated in the yearly church camps for 2 years (Penang in 2018, Batam in 2019), and then started attending every Sunday service from 2019 onwards. We received many blessings from God through the fellowship and faithful preaching of His Word in this church.

I pray I can continue to be a good testimony at home as a wife and a mother, and be a light for God. I also pray that one day my mum and dad will accept the Lord as their personal Saviour. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Children of Jeffrey and Vanessa (Leow Yichen Sophia and Leow Yide David)

Our children Sophia and David were baptised as infants at Calvary Pandan B-P Church. As parents, we believe it’s our sacred duty to bring them up in the fear and nurture of the Lord. We have much to learn on how to be better parents and have many fine examples to learn from at this church. Having attended Gethsemane B-P church for the past 2 years, this is a place where we feel welcomed and where we can grow further with our fellow believers in Christ.

We pray that we can, by the mercies of God, present our “bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God” (Romans 12:1), and that we will “…seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33).

Mehetabel Lim

I am thankful that since I was young, my parents brought me and my sister to attend church activities including worship service, prayer meeting and various fellowship groups on Sundays, Tuesdays and Saturdays respectively. Over the years, through the faithful preaching of God’s Word, I was slowly convicted of my unrighteousness and sinfulness. God’s Word tells us that no one is righteous and we are all sinners. We are headed for hell if not for the saving work of Jesus Christ on the cross. I fear going to hell because of my sins. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God”. And in Romans 6:23, it says, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.” I thank God for saving me through the Lord Jesus Christ.

In the past, I would wilfully disobey God and refuse to do His will. But knowing that I cannot live a hypocritical and pretentious life by going to church and disobeying Him at the same time, I am trying by the grace of God to change for the better. It is by God’s grace that I have improved in my attitude and conduct towards God, and also to those around me.

I pray that I will be an obedient Christian who submits to God’s will. I also pray that I would bear a good testimony to others around me, especially unbelievers, so that they too may come to the saving grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. All glory be to God!

Amanda Tee

I am from Penang, Malaysia. I was raised in a Christian home and attended church services at my hometown Methodist church with my family since young. My father was a Seventh-Day Adventist. Growing up, there were certain doctrinal teachings I was taught which I did not receive much clarification upon. Despite that, my brother and I have never attended a Seventh-Day Adventist church before.

The turning point of my life came when I first entered university in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. I was 20 years old back then, and it was a daunting experience for me to be away from home. I struggled with homesickness and studies, and desperately yearned for a community. My friend invited me to her church one day. I was instantly embraced into the church community as they were very welcoming, many of whom were campus students. It was the first time that I experienced a sense of belonging to a close-knit community in Christ. I felt accepted, and this filled the void of loneliness in me. However, I was soon in for a culture shock. This church had practices which were vastly different, such as speaking in “tongues”, singing of contemporary Christian worship songs, blinding disco lights, dancing and loud shouting of praises during worship services. I questioned their charismatic practices, but was coerced into thinking that these were acceptable God-honouring practices of worship. I was even told by my cell leader to pray to God for the “gift” to worship in “tongues”, although I clearly knew I could not do so. Over time, despite increasing doubts, I was compelled to accept their beliefs, and adopt their passion and zeal in proclaiming the gospel work.

When I was at the age of 21, the Lord revealed Himself to me through His divine Truth and I accepted the Lord Jesus Christ into my life. Praise the Lord for His faithfulness, for He has redeemed me from my sin and brokenness. “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9). The following year, I left my country to study abroad in New Zealand for 2½ years. Thank God for His unfailing goodness as He provided me with a job in Singapore when I graduated. In 2018, I started working in Singapore at the age of 25. Since my university days, I had visited various churches, but sadly, have come across numerous watered-down sermons. Deep within me, I had many unanswered doctrinal questions, which became a hindrance for me to progress deeper in my faith. I was spiritually malnourished and yearned for a deeper understanding of God’s Truth, as Scripture states in Hebrews 5:13-14, “For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe. But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.”

In early 2020, I was invited by my friend to Gethsemane B-P Church. I was gripped by Pastor Koshy’s inerrant expounding of God’s Word, for as Romans 10:17 states, “So then faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.” Week after week during the lockdown, I tuned in to Pastor Koshy’s sermons, and slowly grew in understanding of the Word through his faithful preaching. Furthermore, I was greatly encouraged by his exhortations to bear witness for Christ through his testimonies. “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” (Psalm 119:105). I thank God for His abounding grace and mercy for opening my eyes to the goodness of His Truth. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9). I now understand that being a true follower of Christ requires personal sanctification, denouncing the old man in us and consecration towards godly living, as stated in Ephesians 4:23-24, “And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; and that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness.” Indeed, “ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light” (Ephesians 5:8).

Praise God for the sound doctrinal teaching of God’s Word in Gethsemane B-P Church, that I may be blessed greatly by the wonderful Truth. “The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:7-9). All glory to God.

Yap Chen Han

I was 9 years old when my parents placed me in a Buddhist association in the hope of me learning the ways of “Dharma” and a life free from desires and needs. Growing up, I was told that we can attain enlightenment through good merits, which would grant us a ticket to heaven.

When I was at the age of 18, my elder brother (then 24), came home one day and declared himself a Christian. Being very fervent, he just couldn’t stop preaching to me about Jesus and who Jesus is. Great tension began at home when he called God as his heavenly father, which angered my dad a great deal. But something about my elder brother’s outlook in life had changed. He often emphasised how sinful we are by nature, and how much we are in need of knowing our Creator (God the Father, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit). His temper had also improved noticeably, which was much to my mother’s delight.

I decided to find out more about Jesus, and in late 2012 / early 2013, I attended Lighthouse Church. However, I found myself not gaining much spiritual knowledge. I was constantly learning, yet arriving at nothing. Before that, I visited Gethsemane BP Church once (at the invitation of my friend, Bro Marcus Peh) to watch a Christmas choir presentation in 2012. It wasn’t until early 2020 that I decided to come over to worship at Gethsemane.

On my first visit in March 2020, Pastor Koshy was expounding the Book of Jude on the apostates of our time. It was a fiery message that pierced my heart, as it revealed how misguided my previous church leaders were. Apart from the afterthought that I might have witnessed a modern-day Paul preaching, the message struck me very deeply. It revealed many of the erroneous teachings that I had been exposed to previously. I began to question the validity of those spiritual gifts that many charismatics had claimed to possess. It also dawned upon me that there is no aspect of the universe that is not under God’s reign – “The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all” (Psalm 103:19). He even knows our thoughts, and our intention behind every action. He is above all.

With a heavy heart, I realise I had to cut off ties with some friends from my previous (Charismatic) church before my transfer to Gethsemane BP Church. Not because I thought they are bad people, but because they believe so deeply in their own misguided versions of the Gospel that I knew it was not possible for us to communicate any further. Though I lost some friends along the way, I’d rather be in God’s will, and I am happy to be in Gethsemane. Fighting my battles and struggles daily, I pray that God will be my source of help each day.