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We commemorate the 21st Anniversary of our Chinese Service today. A combined Thanksgiving Service is held together with the 8:30am English Service for the praise of Jesus Christ, the Saviour and Shepherd of the church. 

What a joy it is to witness three elderly folks joining our church today, through the ministry of Gethsemane Chinese Service! They have come to know the Lord and find fellowship in the Chinese Service and the Seniors’ Ministry. 

Mdm Mak Yock Theng (82 yrs), to be baptised today, has been coming to our church and ministries with her husband, Mr Ng Weng San (member of our Chinese Service), for several years. They are the parents of Bro. David Ng (TGCM staff), who has been praying for their salvation and encouraging them to turn to Christ in faith. Likewise, Mr Tay Nga Nga (72 yrs) was brought to our church by his daughter (a non-Gethsemanean) who joins our church services occasionally. He has been regularly worshipping in the Chinese Service in recent years. Mr Yap Yam Hua (88 yrs), a Christian living alone, was introduced to us by his nephew. Having attended our church services for a few years, he has decided to transfer his membership to our church. 

Let us continue to pray for the Chinese Service and the labour of Pr Daniel Lim in preaching the Word for the spiritual nurture of all who attend this church ministry. We also pray for Elder Alan Choy, Dn Gan Chin Hwi and others who serve along with Pr Daniel. May the Lord purify and preserve all the brethren for His coming and for His eternal kingdom.

Testimonies of Candidates of Transfer of Membership

Ho Xiu Ling

I’m a first-generation Christian. The Gospel seed had been sown in my heart since childhood when I attended a Methodist primary school. I heard the Gospel through the school’s chapel services and Christian fellowship in school. 

I started to attend church together with my siblings when my sister’s church friends reached out to us after my mother passed away when I was at the age of 12. Not too long after that, I accepted Christ in my life.

God has always been wonderful in my life. He is my comfort, strength and provider. I received baptism by faith when I was 15 years old. The Word of God has helped me to stay faithful and not stray away from it into worldly things.

Since I met my fiancé James 2 years ago, I started to attend the same church as him at Gethsemane Bible-Presbyterian Church. I have grown more in faith over this period of time. Thank God for all the blessings in my life. To God be the glory!

James Voon

Though I was born into a non-Christian family, my parents decided to enrol me in mission schools since kindergarten. This was because of my quiet and reserved nature. My parents were hopeful that this would help me to open up to others. Thus, from kindergarten all the way to my secondary school, I was exposed to the Gospel. It was during one of the Bible study sessions in my primary school, that I was convicted of my sins, and I accepted Christ as my Saviour.

That was some 30 years ago. Through many years of ups and downs in my spiritual life, the Lord remains compassionate and faithful to me. I am now a regular worshipper at Gethsemane B-P Church, having started worshipping there almost 9 years ago. Because of the sound preaching at Gethsemane and the fellowship I received, I have decided to become a member of Gethsemane B-P Church.

Ministry Updates from Cebu, the Philippines 

Pastor Reggor Galarpe (Gethsemane B-P Church, Cebu) has reported about the church and its related ministries. Here’s an excerpt from Pastor Reggor’s email. 

“We thank you and the Board of Elders for the half-month financial support received. It’s a big help for our families, which is especially timely since it’s school opening also for our children. Praise God! ... Praise God that GBI-Cebu’s new semester has begun on 7th August 2023, with the Day of Prayer and Registration. Thank God for the enrolment of 18 students – with 4 of them studying full time, namely Johnny Rey Ebin, Dave Taburada, Synoname Estacion and our dear brother, Julius del Rosario… Regarding our search for a prospective church building, we have scheduled a meeting and ocular survey (11th August) of a property introduced to us. It is situated some 19 km away from Cebu City… We will keep you posted on this. Please pray for God’s help and guidance… Lastly, our greetings to TGCM and the Gethsemane Chinese Service on their respective anniversaries!”

Sermon Text: Psalm 51
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 13th August 2023

Reports on Christian persecution around the world have been on the rise. Burning of church buildings, beating and killing of Christian missionaries, pastors and believers are increasingly heard in more countries worldwide. Not only in traditionally hostile societies, but also in places where religious diversity and tolerance have previously existed, indescribable violence is now committed against Christians. 

On 22nd June 2023, Christianity Today reported, “At least 450 Christians have died in a series of attacks on Christian villages in three north-central Nigerian states since May, according to reports from religious freedom advocates.” Things are not getting any better for Christians, even in our continent, Asia. “An Evangelical group in India is calling for peace after 58 Christians were killed, dozens of churches were burned and tens of thousands of Christians were forced to flee their homes due to ethnic violence in Manipur, a state in Northeast India that is home to more than 2.5 million people.”

Upon reading such reports of unrelenting persecutions and killings of Christians around the world, my mind was filled with the words of Paul in Romans 8:35-37, “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.”

His Love Makes Persecuted Christians Conquerors

Indeed, Christians are conquerors. In fact, v. 37 declares that Christians are “more than conquerors”. This is truly a comforting message to Christians, for they live in a hostile world. Though they would face extreme hostilities, their faith shall not be quenched because the Word of God assures them that they shall be “more than conquerors”!

Paul has in vv. 35-36 written about the steadfastness of God’s love for believers in the face of hostility: “Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter”. Yet, Christians will be enabled to overcome sin, Satan, the world, temptations, reproaches, afflictions, persecutions, and thereby continue in their faith. The devil will trouble their souls with temptations and trials. Many Christians will suffer great afflictions. But they shall abide in their faith, love and service through thick and thin. In fact, they shall be “more than conquerors”.

Just what did the apostle mean when he referred to Christians as “more than conquerors”? He meant that they are winning a sweeping, overwhelming victory. The emphasis made here by the apostle is that in the midst of all the myriads of hostile experiences – yes, even by means of them and with their “help” – Christians shall show that they are more than conquerors!

They overcome their innumerable troubles, not by their own strength, but through the Lord Jesus Christ, who loves them. The ability to triumph over all adversity does not arise from any inherent superiority of believers, but rather, by the might of their loving Saviour, they will overcome their adversities. His love for them is the pledge of His help for them to be great overcomers.

Christ’s steadfast love will strengthen and enable us to endure affliction. Special favour of His love will strengthen us. We shall overcome all our afflictions, not by our natural powers, but by the special blessings of our Saviour’s love.

His Power Empowers His Afflicted

Yet another familiar verse comes to my mind that encourages every afflicted Christian: “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me” (2 Corinthians 12:9b).

Paul was buffeted by the messenger of Satan and afflicted with what he referred to as “a thorn in the flesh”. The Lord, who found it necessary that the trouble should remain in Paul’s life, assured him of His grace which was sufficient to strengthen and equip him to serve the Lord effectively. The Lord’s assurance that His grace was sufficient to support and strengthen Paul in his trial, made him a happy minister of the Gospel. So, he joyfully confessed, “Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.”

Because of the glorious promise of the Lord’s sufficient and strengthening grace, Paul refused to be perturbed by his trial. Instead of being preoccupied with the trial, he committed himself to delight in the grace of the Lord that was made available to him. He was, in effect, saying, “I count it my joy to be afflicted if my trial will be the means to know the power of my great Redeemer.” Paul rejoiced that his weakness became the vehicle by which the Lord’s grace and power were most fully manifested to himself and to others. When the devil inflicted him with weakness and pain, the Lord “perfected his strength” in the midst of his weakness. It seems that Paul was saying that his weakness plus Christ’s power equal perfect power. Paul was not relying on his own strength, for he was full of weakness. He was most powerful, when he was least reliant on his own resources and most reliant on the Lord’s grace and power.

Self-reliance, which results from pride, is detrimental to our spiritual joy. So, it is to prevent the possibility of pride in Paul that the Lord permitted his trial. We should not, therefore, be bitter when afflictions are permitted in our lives. Only when we are emptied of ourselves, will our strength be perfected with Christ’s glorious power. Very often, the continuing weakness in Christians is necessary so that they might not confuse the power of God with their own power and lose God’s power by attempting to rely on themselves.

Like Paul, in order that you may be vessels of Christ’s glorious power, be glad to suffer the trials He would permit. If you are in the midst of trials, rejoice that His power shall rest (pitch a tent) in you. His power will keep your faith intact, and let you magnify Him against Satan’s evil devices.

Sermon Text: Psalm 50
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 6th August 2023

Sermon Text: Psalm 49
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 30th July 2023

Hostility, quarrel, acrimony, threats, slander, and hurtful actions have wrecked many a church; and such stories have saddened us deeply. If we do not guard ourselves against sin and self-promoting ways, our congregation will be wrecked with dissension. Today, I would like to share with you, Scripture’s counsel on guarding ourselves against disunity and division. Let us also take heed to pray that “there be no divisions among [us]; but that [we] be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment” (1 Cor. 1:10). 

Disharmony and disunity have existed in the church since New Testament times. The church in Corinth, for one, was most disreputable for its quarrels. 

Why Do People Quarrel?

“From whence come wars and fightings among you? come they not hence, even of your lusts that war in your members?” (James 4:1). Quarrels have long been part of human society. The source of all fightings is man’s sinful heart. Man’s depraved, egoistic nature is the root of all discord and dispute. “For out of the heart proceed evil thoughts, murders, adulteries, fornications, thefts, false witness, blasphemies” (Matthew 15:19). Man is predisposed to his personal desires and whims. Unless believers “put off all these; anger, wrath, malice, blasphemy, filthy communication” (Colossians 3:8), they would also be tempted to live for self-interest and self-glory, resulting in bitterness and acrimonious conduct. When two or more people are determined to pursue their own personal agendas, they will soon begin to fight.

Church and Quarrels

Sadly, uncharitable contentions do occur in the church. Paul wrote to the Corinthian church: “For first of all, when ye come together in the church, I hear that there be divisions among you; and I partly believe it” (1 Corinthians 11:18; cf. 1:11) – the reason being that “ye are yet carnal: for whereas there is among you envying, and strife, and divisions, are ye not carnal, and walk as men?” (1 Corinthians 3:3). Here, Paul is not saying that believers were in a totally carnal state, but that the Corinthians had been behaving in a carnal or fleshly manner. When believers do not walk in the Spirit, they succumb to the impulses of the flesh. This is why believers are reminded: “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh. For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would” (Galatians 5:16-17).

It is totally out of character for Christians to engage in quarrels and divisions within the church. It undermines the church’s testimony and effectiveness in the world. It gives an occasion for the devil and the world to scorn the church. It grieves the Lord; it discourages and demoralises His people. In Galatians 5:15, Christians are admonished: “But if ye bite and devour one another, take heed that ye be not consumed one of another.” Quarrels fracture fellowship, rob Christians of their joy, weaken their effectiveness and dishonour the Lord. What a high price to pay for an ego trip!

Church and Unity

God has forbidden quarrels in the church. Instead, He encourages unity within the church. In 1 Corinthians 1:10, Paul admonished the feuding Corinthians: “Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.”

The first need of the Corinthian church was harmony among its people. It is also the need of many churches today. Note that this unity comes with proper judgment, being of “the same mind and … the same judgment”. Anything less is not true spiritual unity. Hypocritical unity that tolerates doctrinal errors and unholy living is not what is taught here. We are not simply to be in unity indiscriminately and avoid all conflicts, though people pursue ungodly doctrines and unscriptural living.

When congregants differ in doctrine or strongly disagree with the church leadership and policies, they cannot contribute to the spiritual unity of the church nor serve effectively. Of course, believers are not “carbon copies” of each other. They differ in disposition, temperament, skill and giftedness, but they should be of the same mind in Christian doctrine and living.

If any kind of difference or dispute occurs, it must be resolved according to the Scriptures. Church leaders, who are men of knowledge and spiritual maturity, must make it a point to prayerfully attend to those issues, and advise the church what “seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to [them]” (Acts 15:28). No arbitrary ruling should be made, but the Board of Elders must make their decision unanimously, and in accordance with God’s Word under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Their godly counsel must then be humbly sought and obeyed, for Scripture commands believers to “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you” (Hebrews 13:17). Faithful believers then must be in complete harmony with their leaders to obey God’s will. When elders are one in the Spirit, the congregation should submit to the directions given to them by the elders.

Such unity would require much effort and prayer. But it is God’s way for His church to enjoy the sweet blessings of unity, as Paul said to the Philippians, “Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind” (Philippians 2:2). Let us remember the psalmist’s praise of brotherly unity – “Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” (Psalm 133:1).

Dear Gethsemaneans, let us always endeavour to keep the unity of the Spirit (Ephesians 4:1-6), and make Paul’s prayer for the Roman church ours: “Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: that ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God” (Romans 15:5-7).

Church “Without Murmurings and Disputings”

Philippians 2:14 exhorts, “Do all things without murmurings and disputings”. We are dissuaded from engaging in two evils, namely murmuring and disputing. Interestingly, the apostle is concerned that some may engage in spiritual activities with murmuring and disputing. In other words, they practise religion without sincerity and joy. When God-given duties are done with murmuring and a disgruntled spirit, such service will be unacceptable. So, all Christians must guard themselves against such evil conduct. Both of those sins must be abhorred and avoided if our services are to be effective and helpful.

Some murmur against God and His servants, like the Israelites in the wilderness when experiencing a time of scarcity. In Numbers 11, we read about them: “And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: but now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes” (vv. 4-6; cf. Exodus 15:24; 16:7-9).

Others murmur because they are discontented with and envious of the godly men and women whom God uses (cf. Numbers 14:1-4; 16:41; Mark 14:5). There are also some others who murmur because of their unbelief and their bigoted desire to spread their sedition (cf. Luke 15:2; Jude 16).

The spirit of murmuring is perilous. The Word of God cautions us, “Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer” (1 Corinthians 10:10). Murmuring is often the result of envy, discontentment, bitterness, pride and unbelief. It results in many evil deeds, such as gossip, backbiting, slander, usurping of authority, defiance, sedition, dissension and schism. Murmuring is not just a dispute with man, but also with God! So, serve the Lord without any murmur or dispute.

Sermon Text: Psalm 48
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 23rd July 2023

In Second Corinthians, Paul records for our learning how the brethren in Macedonia were motivated by love to spend and be spent. This record has an interesting background. While Paul was making his way through Europe, he made some effort to collect money for the hurting believers in Jerusalem. When he reached Macedonia, he announced the need of the fellow Christians in Jerusalem. What adds to the significance of this whole episode is that Macedonia was already an economically depressed area. It would be like encouraging some of the mission churches in poorer areas of the Philippines to support those in Ethiopia. This would be a strange appeal today! (Please read slowly and carefully the following words of Paul. Don’t skip even a word!)

“Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia; how that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality. For to their power, I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints. And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God” (2 Corinthians 8:1-5).

From the above report of Paul about the Macedonian believers, we can learn some important lessons about how we should practise giving:

Sacrificially: Macedonians gave sacrificially because they were giving out of their own poverty and not out of wealth. Take note of Paul’s report of their financial state when they gave towards the need in Jerusalem – “in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality.” The Macedonian Christians did not even have enough to feed themselves, when they decided to put together whatever they could find in order to support the needy Jerusalem Church.

According to Paul, “beyond their power they were willing of themselves” to support the brethren. What else could this be but their sacrificial love for the need of the Jerusalem Church?

Generously: Have you noticed Paul’s words about the Macedonians that they “abounded unto the riches of their liberality”? The word, “abound” means “overflow”, and thus a reference to their availability to help and bless the needy. Theirs was not a stingy giving. They were not calculating, to say “Look, we are already poor, and moreover we have to give to our own church. So don’t expect us to make another big gift to Jerusalem.” There was not a penny-pinching man among them. On the contrary, they were liberal in their giving. How amazing!

Voluntarily: Though Paul announced the need of the Jerusalemites, he did not twist their arms behind their backs. Paul wrote: “I bear record, yea, and beyond their power they were willing of themselves; praying us with much intreaty that we would receive the gift, and take upon us the fellowship of the ministering to the saints.” It seems that Paul was so stunned by their liberality that he was unwilling to take their exceedingly generous gift. So they resolved to persuade Paul to accept their gift. They were very happy that they could minister to the need of the saints.

A little later in the same letter, Paul encouraged this spirit of voluntary spontaneity in our giving: “Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver” (2 Corinthians 9:7).

Selflessly: When they gave, they were not giving to make a name for themselves. In fact, no name is mentioned in this passage. Paul did not even mention which of the Macedonian churches contributed to the need. A great proof of Christian giving is anonymity. Unselfish giving does not seek publicity, but prefer to remain anonymous. Jesus said, “But when thou doest alms, let not thy left hand know what thy right hand doeth” (Matthew 6:3).

Obediently: The final lesson we learn through the Macedonian churches is that giving is a matter of knowing God’s will and obeying it – “And this they did, not as we hoped, but first gave their own selves to the Lord, and unto us by the will of God.” According to the Apostle Paul, such an unexpected contribution was the result of the Macedonians’ sensitivity and obedience towards God’s will. The reason why some people groan and moan when it comes to giving is that they are not keeping close to the Lord to know His will. When a need in the Lord’s work is announced, they argue against it and express their unhappiness over such a call even before they take time to consider the matter and pray about it. On the other hand, those who keep close to the Lord and constantly seek to know and do His will, will joyfully make contributions to God’s work. This is not only true in monetary gifts but also giving oneself in service.

As a new semester of systematic study of God’s Word begins in FEBC and GBI, here are some biblical reasons (by way of reminder) why we should take advantage of every opportunity to have an in-depth study of God’s Word.

God has given us His Book, not to be kept for the bookshelf but to be read, searched, and studied. God expects us to understand all its truths. God said, “This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night” (Joshua 1:8a).

We don’t study the Bible merely to accumulate information about it, but for the purposes which God has made known in His Word.

Here are some of the purposes God has iterated in His Word for studying it:

1. That we may know God.  

There is little we can know about God without His special revelation, the Bible. But with the Bible, we can know all that God has revealed about Himself. Through His words in the Bible, we can know the truths about God – His nature, attributes, works and will. 

Some say they don’t need to study the Bible but just love Jesus. Without the knowledge of the Bible, no one can have the truth about Jesus. In John 5:39, Jesus said, “Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.” The Bible reveals Jesus and the eternal life that He gives to those who trust in Him. So, to know and love our divine Saviour and Lord Jesus Christ, we must study and know the Scriptures. We cannot love Him sincerely without knowing the truth about Him from His Word.

2. That we may not err in our doctrine and practice. 

To the Jews, specifically to the Sadducees who propagated the falsehood that there is no resurrection, Jesus said, “Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God.” (Matthew 22:29). We must study and know the truth to avoid embracing false doctrines and misconceptions in our spiritual pursuit. 

Moreover, if we do not learn and be assured of the truths of the Bible, slowness of belief, conviction and confidence would plague even God’s people. The apostles of Christ, who did not fully know the Scriptures concerning Christ’s resurrection, could not have full conviction about it in the days following His resurrection. John 20:9 commented on their uncertainty about His resurrection, “For as yet they knew not the scripture, that he must rise again from the dead.” Their slowness of conviction about Christ’s resurrection was their lack of knowledge about the Scriptures’ teaching. When the Holy Spirit gave them the understanding of the Scriptures’ prophecies about Christ’s resurrection and the truth of that unmistakable event, they went forth all over the world and boldly declared that Christ rose according to the Scriptures (Acts 2:25-33; 13:30-37; 26:22-23; 1 Cor. 15:3-4; Heb. 13:20; 1 Pet. 1:11).

3. That we may be perfected as God’s people. 

2 Tim. 3:16-17 instructs us that “All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished unto all good works.” A proper understanding of God’s Word will result in believers’ sanctification and fruitfulness (cf. John 1:17; 15:3, 7-8).

4. That we may declare and defend His Word.

God wants us to declare and defend the Word. 2 Tim 4:2 says, “Preach the word” (cf. Rom. 10:8). How could Christians proclaim the Word without knowing it? We are also expected to “be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear” (1 Pet 3:15b). Studying the Bible helps us tell others confidently and clearly His truths. Those who have learned His Word thoroughly can boldly declare His truths whenever God gives them opportunities to witness for Him.

Thanksgiving Report from Our Mission Station in Bohol

17 Years of Ministry in Bohol

Dear Pastor Koshy,

Greetings to you in the blessed name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!

Last Sunday, we celebrated the 17th anniversary of the mission church in Bohol, with Pastor Reggor as our speaker. Together with Pastor Reggor, brethren from TGCM-Cebu also came, and rendered a song to praise our Lord and for the congregation’s edification. Several of our church members’ friends and relatives participated in the Thanksgiving Service. Brethren from the outreach station in Anda, some Bible-study contacts from Candijay, and the young people from our new outreach station in Albur (Mr Bucio’s town) also came to join the service. The missionary couple and members of True Life BP Church, Trinidad, were also present. 

I praise God for enabling all of them to come to church safely despite the heavy rain. We are very grateful for the blessed and fruitful time of gathering to worship God, and to thank Him for salvation, as well as for all His wonderful provision for our spiritual growth and extension of the Gospel work to neighbouring and distant towns / villages. 

Only by God’s grace, mercy and faithfulness has the mission church in Bohol reached this far. All glory and honour belong to our God, who has sustained the mission church in Bohol for the last 17 years. The congregation of GBPC, Bohol, and I thank our God for using you, dear Pastor, together with the Board of Elders and the brethren of Gethsemane BP Church, Singapore, to support the missionary and work of the mission church. We appreciate your continued prayers and support. 

All glory be to God!

In Christ,
Pr Edsel Locot

Sermon Text: Psalm 47
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 16th July 2023