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Colossians 3:2 exhorts all Christians to “set your affection on things above, not on things on the earth.” Those who are risen with Christ have not only a new spiritual pursuit (Colossians 3:1), but also a new passion, as Paul described in this verse.

The verb “set your affection” (phroneo) means “direct your mind to something”. A Christian’s thoughts should be directed to Christ and the things associated with where He now dwells. That is our ultimate destination; hence it must be our preoccupation while we live on this earth. We are to be heavenly-minded (“on things above”) because, as Paul says in Philippians 3:20, “For our conversation (or citizenship) is in heaven; from whence also we look for the Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ”.

What are your great interests? The great object of our contemplation should be the celestial city that Jesus is preparing for us. Readiness for that final home must be our greatest passion on earth.

While we are exhorted to be heavenly-minded, we are also cautioned not to be earthly-minded – “not on things on the earth”. Our affections should not be placed on wealth and health, houses and lands, honour and pleasure, etc. Neither should our passions be the worldly fashions and corrupting entertainments of this world. Worldly lusts must be denied. The deeds of the flesh, which are sinful, must be mortified. No provision should be made for the encroachment of worldly allurements.

While Christ and heaven draw us upwards, the world and its charms draw us downwards. Let us not yield to the pull of earthly things, but earnestly pursue heavenly things. Let us not love things that are earthly and perishing, but those that are heavenly and everlasting. The apostle John admonishes us in 1 John 2:15-16, “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.”

Christians must always be conscious and deliberate to prefer and pursue heavenly and eternal matters above earthly and carnal matters. Unless our affections are set on the heavenly matters, we will never seek after them in a proper manner. Let Christ and heavenly things be our greatest concern, passion and pursuit. Let us be desirous of everything that fixes us to heaven and its eternal glory.

Sermon Text: 2 Samuel 7:1–17
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 9th May 2021

(Sermon starts around 38:29.)

Materialists

In our English Bible, we come across the depiction, “greedy of filthy lucre” (1 Tim 3:3, 8; cf. Tit 1:7, 11; 1 Pet 5:2). What does it mean? It translates the Greek New Testament word aischrokerdḗs, a compound word made up of two words – aischrós (which means indecent, dishonourable, etc.) and kérdos, (which means “gain”). Thus, it depicts those who are shamefully greedy for material gain or profit. Such persons who value material possessions and physical comfort and pleasure as more important than spiritual principles and purposes are referred to as “materialists”.

Materialists are not just among the rich; even among the poor, there are many lovers of wealth. It is important to emphasise that greed and its ills are not found only among wealthy people. Even among the poor, there are lovers of wealth who are driven by the impulses of envy and greed. There are those among the poor who idolise the rich and famous, and constantly dream about the acquisition of wealth. Some, even though living with little income, take pride in the ostentatious display of material things they obtain. The “love of money” does affect both rich and poor. Ordinary folks are not exempt from the biblical warnings against materialism.

Scripture also warns us against money-lovers found amongst the congregation of God’s people. Its warning is that greedy men would masquerade themselves as pious and compassionate. This sort of people will be found even in the church leadership. Jesus called such greedy men in the spiritual leadership of His people, “thieves and robbers” (John 10:8, cf. v.1)! The prophet Isaiah wrote censoriously about greedy men who infiltrated Israel’s leadership, decrying, “Yea, they are greedy dogs which can never have enough, and they are shepherds that cannot understand: they all look to their own way, every one for his gain, from his quarter” (Isaiah 56:11).

Materialists’ Filthy Character

Have you wondered why the word “filthy” is attached to the biblical depiction of those who are greedy for money or gain – “filthy lucre”? Scripture asserts that “the love of money is the root of all evil” (1 Timothy 6:10). The love of money has caused people to commit all kinds of sins. Lovers of money pervert justice for personal gain and indulge in cheating, stealing, extortion of the poor, murder, and all kinds of shameful and heinous activities. They pursue all forms of evil in order to satisfy self-gratification. They are selfish men. Like the wealthy man in the Lord’s story who ignored the sick beggar, Lazarus, at his gate (cf. Luke 16:19-31), materialistic persons ignore the destitute and the needy to secure their wealth to themselves. They are selfish and self-serving, in that they refuse to be kind-hearted and generous towards the poor and the Lord’s work.

More of their degrading behaviour is mentioned in 1 Timothy 6:9 – “But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition.” This caution is not merely about the rich, but “they that will be rich”. In other words, those who want to get rich, those who cling on to their wealth, and those who multiply their money just so to become richer than before, are all prone to engage in “many foolish and hurtful lusts”. People who love riches are always subject to strong temptations and will be led into snares of hurtful lusts. Their insatiable desire for wealth produces in them obsessive and compulsive behaviour of evil passions.

The availability of an abundance of wealth makes many people snobbish and rude. Their conspicuous consumption and ostentatious display of material goods and wealth are often paired with an elitist mentality and vainglory. Hence, the Scripture’s insistence: “Charge them that are rich in this world, that they be not highminded” (1 Timothy 6:17a). The word “highminded” translates the Greek compound verb hupsōlophroneo, which means “to think lofty”, “be haughty”, or “have an exalted opinion of oneself”.

The temptation to put on airs of superiority is constantly part of the wealthy’s demeanour. Thinking highly of themselves causes the rich people to look down on those in the lower economic strata. This is a common evil in every human society. Despising the poor is a disgusting tendency of human nature. Proverbs 22:7 declares, “The rich ruleth over the poor”. Likewise, Proverbs 18:23 laments, “The poor useth intreaties; but the rich answereth roughly.” The wealthier an individual is, the greater the temptation to be self-exalting. This is because, as Proverbs 28:11 says, “The rich man is wise in his own conceit”. It is extremely difficult for a wealthy person to be humble and submissive before a poor person. The temptation is to view the poorer people as repulsive. Riches and pride are frequently found together!

The materialist’s pride in his wealth is so insidious that he even resists and disregards divine authority and supremacy. Such is the depiction of the materialist in Psalm 52:7, “Lo, this is the man that made not God his strength; but trusted in the abundance of his riches, and strengthened himself in his wickedness.” The lover of money who puts his confidence in wealth will disdain God’s perfect wisdom and power. He adores and seeks after money more than God. Thus, he becomes an idolater. The Bible warns us that covetousness is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). Greed – a desire to have more and more wealth – disregards the necessity of righteousness, truth, God’s will and glory. It opposes the pursuit of godliness. Even though the materialist does not possess a brass statue or idol, he is an idolater because he pursues wealth at the expense of godly worship and service. A materialistic individual may manifest some form of godliness, but without the power thereof (cf. 2 Tim. 3:5)!

Materialists’ Awful Tragedy

The Bible warns God’s people that it is foolish and ruinous to trust and pursue riches at the expense of God’s truth and purposes. It admonishes them not to “trust in uncertain riches, but in the living God, who giveth us richly all things to enjoy” (1 Timothy 6:17b). Wealth tends to generate a false sense of security. Nevertheless, Proverbs 11:28a warns, “He that trusteth in his riches shall fall”. Proverbs 23:4–5 further adds, “Labour not to be rich: cease from thine own wisdom. Wilt thou set thine eyes upon that which is not? for riches certainly make themselves wings; they fly away as an eagle toward heaven.”

Pursuing wealth by neglecting the counsels of God’s Word would only result in sorrow and shame. Even when God blesses us with more wealth, we must not put our hopes on it – “if riches increase, set not your heart upon them” (Psalm 62:10b). Pursuit of wealth will mislead and even apostatised the hearts of man. “For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows” (1 Tim. 6:10).

The awful tragedy of the materialists is that they are unsaved. Jesus lamented the sorrowful departure of the rich man who came to Him for eternal life – “How hardly shall they that have riches enter into the kingdom of God! … Children, how hard is it for them that trust in riches to enter into the kingdom of God!” (Mk 10:23-24). Those who love and trust in material wealth would deny the Lord’s goodness, truth and authority, just as that rich young man who was sad at His words which demanded him to give up his wealth and follow Him (cf. Matt. 19:17-22). The Bible warns us about the utter uselessness of money in securing and guaranteeing eternal life. “They that trust in their wealth, and boast themselves in the multitude of their riches; none of them can by any means redeem his brother, nor give to God a ransom for him” (Ps. 49:6-7).

Dear brethren, do not be caught up in the modern world’s unhinged materialism. Modern-day Christians are in great danger of being seduced by the world’s lie that happiness will be found in more things, bigger things, and better things. Regrettably, many professing Christians have fallen prey to this false philosophy of the world.

Sermon Text: Genesis 28:16–22
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 2nd May 2021

(Sermon starts around 1:01:15.)

Many in the church acknowledge the necessity and importance of sound preaching of the Word of God, so that they might be nurtured in God's truth. Yet, the importance of good hearing is not so well understood. Even when sound preaching is available, the hearer will end up being deceived because of his own false way of hearing. He who listens to the Word without any intention to apply it in his life is deceiving himself, no matter how much pleasure he derives from his mere hearing of the preaching.

Take heed of what James 1:22 says – "But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves." The apostle James draws attention to a great danger existing among so-called Christian circles. According to James, there are two sorts of hearers in the church. Though all the worshippers appear to be listening to a sermon, only some of them truly receive and apply it to their lives. The rest, though they appear to have paid attention to what is being preached, do not seem to bring their lives into subjection to the Word preached faithfully.

The first group of hearers, referred to as "doers of the word", is what James desires every churchgoer to be. So he instructs us, "be ye doers of the word". But, what is it to be a doer of the Word? A doer of the Word is one who applies his mind to understand what is being preached, and then makes every effort to meticulously practise what he has heard. Such a man takes God's Word seriously, and yields to its authority and wisdom in humble obedience. Such a man is reverential in his hearing of the Word. He believes that the Word of God is good and most beneficial to him. He receives it with meekness (cf. James 1:21), whether it be a rebuke, or correction, or instruction, or promise.

The second group of hearers are the indifferent hearers. This sort of hearers may listen to what is being expounded from the Scriptures with apparent joy. Nonetheless, soon their joy in the preached Word vanishes as they give heed to other voices brought to them by temptations and trials of the world. Eventually, it becomes their habit to live in total disregard of what they have heard from the Word. If they hear a sermon that rebukes and warns against some unbiblical habits or practises, they will not repent. When they hear such a message, they scoff at it and continue in their unbiblical ways.

The "hearers only" group are also warned that they are deceiving themselves. Surely they would not pay attention to that warning. Instead, they might speak ill of those who warn them. They make themselves appear as eager hearers, but they are superficial hearers. When the hearers refuse to take hold of the truth of God's Word, they live without its wisdom. Knowledge without obedience is futile. Now, if you are just a "hearer" and not a "doer" of the Word, James is here saying that there is something wrong with your thinking: you are "deceiving your own selves"! The Greek compound word translated as "deceiving" gives the idea of someone who is beside his logical self and not reasoning rightly. James' warning is clear: the end-result of one who constantly takes in without ever putting into practice is a deluded person who is setting himself up for making miscalculations in life's decisions!

Oh, it is a terrible folly not to take hold of divine truth. It would inflict severe damage on one's spiritual integrity and effectiveness. It is a dreadful mistake to neglect the truth that has been brought to one's attention. James is not finding fault per se with those who are hearers, but rather with those who are simply hearers and "not doers". He adds a strong word of caution to such, that they are "deceiving [their] own selves". Dear brethren, be not hearers only!

Sunday after Sunday, for many years, most of you have been hearing the preaching of the Word of God. Are you like those who listen to sermons as a matter of religious formality that they customarily practise every week? Or are you like those who are curious to learn the Bible's facts but would not let them rule over their minds and manner of life? Have you been like those who listen to the preaching because of their liking for motivational speeches? Or have you been like those who learn one or two points of Christian doctrine so that they can enter into a discussion / debate with others on those points of doctrine?

Consider the various kinds of self-deceiving hearers, according to the Scriptures, who gather to hear the preaching of the Word.

1. The inconsiderate hearer: James describes such a hearer in James 1:23, 24 – "For if any be a hearer of the Word, and not a doer, he is like unto a man beholding his natural face in a glass: For he beholdeth himself, and goeth his way, and straightway forgetteth what manner of man he was." He is unaffected by the preached Word.
2. The inattentive hearer: He who never intends to be a doer of what he hears will probably have little regard for what he hears. The writer of Hebrews encourages us to be diligent listeners of God's Word – "Therefore we ought to give the more earnest heed to the things which we have heard, lest at any time we should let them slip" (Hebrews 2:1).
3. The injudicious hearer: He never makes any judgment upon what he hears, whether it be true or false; all things come alike to him. The apostle John tells us, "Beloved, believe not every spirit, but try the spirits whether they are of God: because many false prophets are gone out into the world" (1 John 4:1).
4. The imperceptive hearer: He hears all his days but is never the wiser. No light comes into him. 2 Timothy 3:7 describes such a one as "ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth."
5. The prejudiced hearer: He hears with dislike, especially those things which relate to practice. He is too prejudiced to be convinced of the sound teachings of the Scriptures. He will only listen to that which pleases his unbiblical lifestyle. It is about such people whom Paul said in 2 Timothy 4:3, that "the time will come when they will not endure sound doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to themselves teachers, having itching ears".
6. The censorious hearer: He is a critical hearer who comes not as doers of the law, but as a judge. He can also be a malicious hearer who comes on purpose to seek advantage against the preacher. Such hearers are like the Pharisees and Sadducees who listened to the Lord just to seek an opportunity to accuse Him.
7. The raging hearer: He is an exasperated hearer who is full of fury because his sinful actions are condemned by the preaching of the Word. Such were Stephen's hearers at his last sermon.

If you, my dear reader, have been listening to the preaching of the Word to please your fancy, even if you would learn some novel ideas from the message, you would end up deceiving yourself. Are you going to be like the Tyrians, who helped King Solomon to build the temple (being his friends), and yet went on worshipping their idols?

Sermon Text: Genesis 28:10–22
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th April 2021

(Sermon starts around 55:16.)

Doctrine! What is It?

Doctrine is a biblical truth or a set of biblical truths on a topic. Every biblical doctrine is God's will concerning a topic of faith or any matter of life. While Jesus taught, people "were astonished at his doctrine: for his word was with power" (Lk. 4:32; cf. Matt. 7:28; 22:33). Jesus then told them, "My doctrine is not mine, but his that sent me. If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself" (Jn. 7:16-17). The source of every biblical doctrine is God Himself. A biblical doctrine is divine truth that Christians ought to believe, or a divine will that Christians ought to obey.

Doctrine – Difficult and Dull?

Doctrine is not some sort of dull scholarly proposition, which are reserved for the intellectual elite of the church. Every Christian is to delight and abide in every biblical doctrine that God has revealed in His Word. The early Christians in Jerusalem "continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine" (Acts 2:42). All believers, new and matured, young and old, all were encouraged to delight in the biblical doctrines. In 2 Tim 3:14-15, we read, "But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus."

The LORD assures His people, "My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass" (Deuteronomy 32:2). God's doctrine is as “the rain” and “the dew”. What a depiction of beauty, goodness, graciousness and blessing! The doctrine's effect in a Christian’s life is like the rain and dew upon the tender herb.

By virtue of their faith, genuine Christians commit themselves to know and live by every teaching of God's Word. Jesus said, "If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; and ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free" (John 8:31-32). Here, Jesus affirmed that the nature of true discipleship consists of continued obedience to His Word. In all matters of life, Christians ought to be guided by the sound doctrines of the Scriptures. 

Doctrine, Not Worldly Philosophy

The Bible warns Christians not to live by worldly principles and patterns of life. From the time we believe in Christ, we should walk no longer as the unbelieving people walk. Ephesians 4:17–20 caution us that ^"ye henceforth walk not as other Gentiles walk, in the vanity of their mind, having the understanding darkened, being alienated from the life of God through the ignorance that is in them, because of the blindness of their heart: who being past feeling have given themselves over unto lasciviousness, to work all uncleanness with greediness. But ye have not so learned Christ" (cf. Rom. 12:2; 1 Pet. 4:3-4).

The thinking of the ungodly is contrary to God's truth. The reasoning and philosophy of the unregenerate people who live in their sins are contrary to sound doctrine (cf. 1 Tim. 1:9-10). Their minds are spiritually uninformed; hence their thinking is without the purposes and glory of God. Though their philosophies and principles could appear exciting and effective, Scripture warns us that they will eventually add more ungodliness, misery and wrath of God to one's life.

Doctrine, Not Fleshly Desires and Feelings

Prior to their regeneration, Christians lived according to the flesh – "…we all had our conversation in times past in the lusts of our flesh, fulfilling the desires of the flesh and of the mind; and were by nature the children of wrath, even as others" (Ephesians 2:3). While the unregenerate people live according to their evil passions (i.e. ungodly emotions and desires), Christians cease from living according to their lustful passions.

Like Christ lived on earth, every Christian "no longer should live the rest of his time in the flesh to the lusts of men, but to the will of God" (1 Peter 4:2). The Bible repeatedly exhorts Christians not to be driven by the lust of the flesh (cf. 2 Tim. 2:22; Tit 2:12). So, Christians are commanded to "put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts thereof" (Romans 13:14).

Doctrinal Errors—Warning!

Scripture warns against various doctrines that Christians must reject. They are doctrines of men (cf. Matt. 15:9; Mk. 7:7; Col. 2:22), doctrines of devils (cf. 1 Tim. 4:1; 1 Cor. 10:20; Col 2:18). Any doctrine that is deviant from biblical doctrine, according to Jeremiah 10:8, is "a doctrine of vanities". Instructions that distract believers from the truth of God is gross stupidity and folly, and will prove their adherents to be without understanding. Christians must, therefore, "be not carried about with divers and strange doctrines" (Heb. 13:9).

Doctrinal Living

Scripture urges Christians, "In all things shewing thyself a pattern of good works: in doctrine shewing uncorruptness, gravity, sincerity,sound speech, that cannot be condemned; that he that is of the contrary part may be ashamed, having no evil thing to say of you” (Titus 2:7-8). Scripture says that all Christians must "adorn the doctrine of God our Saviour in all things" (Titus 2:10).

Christians must always conform to the truths of God’s Word. They must consider, “How do the doctrines of the Bible warn, rebuke and call to repentance? “How do they offer correction, instruction, hope, direction, restoration, etc?” If we truly take time to grapple with these questions, we will find doctrine to be most practical. Such practice of biblical doctrine will produce within us true piety and God-honouring lives.

Exactly five hundred years ago, on 18 April 1521, Martin Luther uttered those words before an imperial council known as “Diet of Worms” (“Diet”: an assembly of princes or authorities in the Holy Roman Empire; “Worms”: a city south of Frankfurt, Germany).

This occurred about three and a half years after Luther nailed his Ninety-five Theses against the Roman Catholic Church’s doctrines and practices (on October 31st, 1517) on the door of the Castle Church in Wittenburg, Germany. Luther’s efforts to repudiate the errors of Romanism were condemned by Pope Leo X in June 1520 in the latter’s issuing a papal bull (a public decree by the Pope), named Exsurge Domine (“Rise up, O Lord!”). It outlined socalled forty-one errors of Luther. It also threatened Luther with excommunication, which in those days was far more severe than simply being shunned by the Roman Church. It was then carried out with the penalty of torture and death at the hands of the civil authorities!

Luther responded to the papal bull by publicly burning it, and declaring to his followers that in condemning his teachings the pope had condemned the Gospel itself. On January 3rd, 1521, the Pope issued the final ban on Luther. The Emperor Charles V was expected to arrest and stamp out Luther’s teachings, which could have led to his execution. However, Luther was spared by the intervention of Elector Frederick III the Wise of Saxony. Instead, Luther was summoned to appear at the Diet, held in Worms, before the Emperor Charles V and an array of powerful clergy and statesmen.

Martin Luther travelled 10 days to get to the Diet of Worms (south of Frankfurt) from Wittenberg (near modern Berlin). It was a 300-mile journey. He knew that his life would be in danger as he prepared to go to Worms. Though many discouraged him from making that journey, he still obeyed the summons to appear before the Diet of Worms, because it presented him a great opportunity to defend his doctrines before the authorities.

Luther presented himself at the Diet of Worms on 17 April 1521. The assembly asked him to confirm whether certain books published in his name (25 books in total) were truly authored by him. Luther acknowledged them as his books. When the council asked him to repudiate the content of his books, he requested time to think about that matter seriously. The emperor gave him a stay of one day – and it would be one of the most famous days in church history.

The next day, on April 18th, 1521, when Luther appeared again before the Diet of Worms, he refused their demand to repudiate his teachings in his books. He stated that he would retract his teachings only if he was convinced by Scripture or by reason that there was error in them. He was uncompromising in matters of doctrine and Christian practice. He stated that the Bible alone is the ultimate source of authority, and not the papal decrees and church traditions. Luther’s final words before the Diet of Worms have been famously reported:

“Unless I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture or by clear reason (for I trust neither pope nor council alone, since it is well known that they have often erred and contradicted themselves), I am bound by the Scriptures I have cited, for my conscience is captive to the Word of God. I cannot and will not recant anything, since to act against one’s conscience is neither safe nor right. I cannot do otherwise. Here I stand, may God help me.”

Luther stood before a powerful council with his conscience bound by the Word of God. He thus refused every bit to compromise his biblical convictions. It is that firm stand of Luther on God’s truth that gave rise to the Protestant Reformation, which sent the light of the Gospel all through Europe and the rest of the world. Today, it is our individual and collective duty to stand with conviction on the Word of God, that we may be instruments of God’s glorious purposes for our generation and the next.

Sermon Text: Selected Scripture Texts
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 18th April 2021

(Sermon starts around 1:02:41.)

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

Psalm 46 has been known as “Luther's Psalm”. It was Martin Luther’s habit to dwell upon the Psalms when troubles engulfed him. In 1527, Martin Luther faced some of the greatest difficulties of his life. During this period, much of the European continent was affected by the Black Plague. Germany was also not spared from that epidemic. Luther’s son fell ill and was on the brink of death. Soon, Luther himself fell sick. In the midst of these personal conflicts and the great battle of Reformation, Luther would call unto his co-labourers, "Come, let us sing the 46th Psalm." He loved contemplating the promises of Psalm 46.

Luther’s heart was instructed by the words of Psalm 46 to put his confidence in God when dangers and disasters befell him. Like the psalmist, Luther too wanted his disheartened friends of the Reformation not to be weary and not to give up their fight of faith. He wanted his fellow men to find their confidence in God. So, he wrote his famous hymn, “A mighty fortress”, based on Psalm 46.

Psalm 46:1 serves as an instruction on how God’s people ought to possess an indefatigable faith in God, even when they are encircled by terrors and troubles. The psalmist is not only an example of unfaltering faith, but also an encourager who exhorts fellow believers to put their confidence in God. The psalmist’s confession of God’s goodness towards His people is remarkably invigorating. He teaches us to embolden ourselves in times of our trials by making three assertions about God.

God is Our Refuge

The first truth that we should affirm in the midst of our troubles is that “God is our refuge”. Some have built for themselves what appear to be well-fortified castles with tall, strong walls and thick iron gates, guarded by hosts of strong men with powerful weapons. Yet time and time again, such man-made refuge had been breached by enemies and are subjected to all kinds of perils. A far superior shelter is the LORD God for all who trust in Him. He is their impregnable refuge. Taking shelter in God is far better than running into man-made shelters. God is our safe shelter!

God alone is His saints’ unfailing shelter. Only in God can we find true security. He is our retreat beyond the reach of our adversaries. He is our hiding place. So, let us quickly run into Him. In prayer let us wait on Him. “The eternal God is thy refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms” (Deuteronomy 33:27).

God is Our Strength

The second truth that God’s people must affirm always is that God is their “strength”. When they feel weak and defenceless, God is the source of their strength. They can come to Him, and renew their strength. God’s omnipotence provides His people with assurance and motivation to endure their troubles and accomplish all that God has called them to do. Let His people believe that God’s strength is their strength. Let them arise in confidence to fulfil all His good purposes, even when troubles assail them. God is our unfailing strength!

All who trust in the Lord’s strength can surely say, “Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10). His saints may be troubled on every side, but they have no need to despair. The Lord’s word to us all is: “My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness.” So let us joyfully say, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9).

God is Our Help

The third solemn truth that God’s people must affirm constantly is that God is “a very present help in trouble.” When trouble is near His people, God is nearer to them than the trouble. He never withdraws Himself from His troubled people. He draws near to His children in their trouble. God is closer to His people than their nearest and dearest family member or friend. He will be with them as their Help. His presence will be nearer than the trouble. He will never be absent from His people. Troubles confronting God’s people are not a sign of God’s abandonment of His people. Rather, they are an opportunity bestowed by God for them to experience the grandeur of His presence.

Come, let us sing the forty-sixth Psalm!

Brethren in our Mission Fields Affected by Covid-19

While we thank God for the improved Covid-19 condition in Singapore, we must uphold our brethren who live and labour for the Lord in many parts of the world where the infection is worsening.

In the past week, we have received news from our mission fields in Ethiopia and the Philippines that the spreading of Covid-19 is troubling the ministries, and some brethren have been afflicted by it. Pray that the Lord will grant mercy to those who have fallen ill, and also strengthen the servants of God to minister to His people in their respective mission fields.

An Email received (on 7^th April 2021) from Rev Ephrem, Ethiopia

Dear Rev. Koshy,

Greetings in our Lord's blessed name!

Praise God for the Gospel work which He has been accomplishing through you. It is our prayer that He will continue to bless all your labours for the cause of Christ. 

My wife, Gete, has been sick since last Sunday. She was checked for Covid-19, and when the result subsequently came out, we were told that she had tested positive. Now, my family is under house quarantine. God willing, all of us will go for Covid-19 test the next day.

Pray God that He may heal my wife and protect all of us. We trust in the mercies of God to carry us through. Please pray also that all our co-labourers will be safe. 

We closed GBI and the children’s ministry last Wednesday, as an added precaution. 

Please convey my regards to your family and the whole church. Have a blessed week of service.

Yours in Christ,
Rev. Ephrem