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Our growth in God’s Word is about deepening our understanding and application of the Bible in our lives. It’s not a sudden experience but a consistent, continuous process of learning and transformation. In 1 Peter 2:1-2, “Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, as newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby.”

Prerequisites for Our Growth in the Word

Abstinence from sin is the first prerequisite for our growth in the Word. In verse 1, Peter exhorts us to lay aside sins. If we were to grow in the Word, sins should not be allowed to remain in our lives.

Five categories of sins hinder one’s growth in the Word. Interestingly, all the five groups of sins mentioned here refer to how we relate to others. The sins mentioned here are those which offend others. However, it does not mean that other kinds of sin do not affect spiritual growth. If we do not eradicate offences against fellow brethren, they will hinder our spiritual growth.

Let us understand the nature of these sins that hinder our growth. First, “all malice”. The word “malice” denotes “a spirit of ill will with a desire to get even”. A child of God should not entertain thoughts of retaliation. Second, “all guile”. The original Greek term used for “guile” has the idea of ‘deceit’. Christians should never knowingly engage in any deceitful business or practices. Third, “hypocrisies”. It is all about pretence. Our natural tendency is to paint a perfect picture of ourselves and the worst possible picture of the one we got into trouble with. Let us not “cover up” but confess what we really are before the Lord. Fourth, “envies”. It is an unwarranted desire for something that belongs to someone else. It unconsciously creates a feeling of jealousy towards or resentment against the owner. Envy and jealousy are like two sides of a leaf. Instead, believers must rejoice in one another’s progress. Fifth, “evil speakings”. Christians must guard their mouth from uttering words with evil motives and purposes. Evil communications can significantly curtail Christian growth. These five sets of sins are hindrances to one’s spiritual growth and are also marks of spiritual immaturity. Abstinence from these sins will draw us to one another and God.

According to Peter, the next prerequisite for spiritual growth is a strong desire for the sincere milk of God’s Word (v. 2). The path to spiritual maturity isn’t paved with indifference. The very next step, as crucial as the first, is an insatiable hunger for God’s Word. Imagine a newborn baby, mewling and rooting, being driven by an instinctive need for milk. That’s the kind of yearning a Christian should have for Scripture. It’s not a casual glance or a bored skim, but a deep, primal desire.

Growing Christians’ cravings for God’s Word and a distaste for sin go hand in hand. As you immerse yourself in the truth, your desires begin to shift. The things that once held allure start to seem hollow compared to the richness of God’s promises. It’s a natural progression – the more you fill yourself with light, the less darkness has room to linger. Similarly, souls that don’t crave for sin will crave for the Word. Remember, “Sin kisses but kills.” “The Bible will keep you from sin, or sin will keep you from the Bible.” Let God’s Word increase, and sin vanish from our hearts.

Process of Our Growth in the Word

1 Peter 2:2-3 states, “As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby: if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious.” 

The strong desire for God’s Word must be met with the provision of ‘sincere milk of the Word’. The word ‘sincere’ means ‘unadulterated’ or ‘pure’. Believers must feed on the pure teaching of God’s Word to grow well. The source of pure spiritual milk for believers is the Word of God and not people’s experiences, traditions, cultures, or philosophies. 

We must be concerned with the kind of materials our young believers read, especially with the plethora of so-called Christian websites, videos, podcasts and books so easily available everywhere. New Christians must be helped with sound teaching of the Word to know God’s will correctly and adequately.

If we lack regular intake of the ‘sincere milk’ of God’s Word, we will have severe problems with our spiritual growth. Do you have a regular intake of good spiritual food? Peter insists that all truly born-again individuals will pursue God’s Word. They will have a deep, continuous longing for the Word of truth.

We must daily read the Bible and meditate upon it to attain good spiritual growth. Psalm 1:2-3 says, “But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in his law doth he meditate day and night. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” 

We must not forsake the assembly of the saints, where the Bible is expounded faithfully. Listen attentively to the Sunday sermons and apply them in your lives. Participate in its Sunday School and other Bible Studies. Reading sound Christian periodicals is also a good means of receiving the sincere milk of the Word.

Think about it: how can you possibly grow if you’re not actively feeding yourself? The ‘sincere milk’ of God’s Word is nourishment for the soul. It strengthens your faith, guides your steps, and brings you closer to God. Just as a baby wouldn’t thrive on empty air, a Christian soul can’t flourish without the sustenance of Scripture.

Peter’s exhortation to spiritual growth ends with a brief discussion of what motivates a person to grow spiritually. He puts it as “if so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious” (v. 3). Those who have had the initial taste of God’s grace and goodness through the Gospel of salvation can grow and receive a more excellent knowledge of His grace. Peter’s emphasis in v. 3 is that growth will never occur without first having the experience of God’s grace. The grace of God in Christians’ hearts is a motivation to lay aside sins and to desire the pure teaching of God’s Word. Those who have no desire to put aside their sins and learn God’s Word have not tasted the Lord’s grace of salvation. Charles Spurgeon said, “He that doth not hear the Word of God to his renovation, shall hear it to his condemnation.” All genuine children of God esteem God’s Word more than their necessary food!

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GBI-Vizag Update

Dear Pastor Koshy,

We thank God for His help in finishing another semester of learning from God’s Word in GBI (Vizag). This semester, we had 12 students taking various subjects. Four were residential students (two from Shillong and two from Odisha). They took classes from the Kotapadu campus. Thank God for the provision of good internet connectivity that we’ve got through a special leased line from a service provider. Online classes offered by GBI and FEBC went on smoothly at the Kotapadu campus. Nonetheless, as the lease of the campus is going to expire by the end of next year, we are praying for God’s guidance and provision for a permanent campus for GBI. 

Students in the city also came regularly for classes, except on some days when we had painting works being carried out at the city campus. Thank God for some renovation work done recently by the building owner. In addition to the online classes, Bro Seraph and I taught four subjects during in-person classes. I would like to thank you for taking two live classes every week (Homiletics and 1 Corinthians). I am also thankful for the opportunity for some students to enrol in the Greek language class taught by Pr Cornelius Koshy.

Three students (Shyam Kishore, Pastor John and Adab) have finished their studies and graduated on 2nd May 2024. Thank you for visiting us and sharing God’s Word at the graduation service. Through the preaching from the Third Epistle of John, based on the life of Gaius, we were indeed reminded of the importance of faithful service to God and fellow believers.

On behalf of the staff and students here, I like to extend our gratitude for the generous support for the ministries in Vizag. Because of the support from Gethsemane Church and the Malayalam Fellowship, we can provide teaching to students free of cost, including provision of accommodation for students. May God continue to bless the outreach efforts of Gethsemane in various parts of the world. We look forward to joining you all for the upcoming missionary conference in June.

In Christ,
Pastor Sujith Samuel

Sermon Text: Psalm 77
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 12th May 2024

Sermon Text: Psalm 76
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 5th May 2024

Written by Pr Jeremiah Sim

The Word of God says in Psalm 106:1, “Praise ye the LORD. O give thanks unto the LORD; for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever.” Indeed, with much thankfulness and gratefulness to God for His unfailing mercy, love and care to the brethren in the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM), we rejoice with an overflowing exultation to commemorate GSM’s 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving, in conjunction with a retreat which was held at Evergreen Laurel Hotel, Penang, Malaysia (17th-20th April 2024). We thank the Lord for a total of 61 participants. 

The Lord’s providence and help towards us were evident from the beginning of the planning of this Anniversary Thanksgiving Retreat. Behind the scenes lay laborious, careful efforts in the planning and logistical preparations. For that, we thank God for brethren who had laboured with much love and unity in the smooth execution and running of the whole event. Our sincere appreciation to  those brethren who had taken time off from their work to join us and render their sacrificial service in this retreat.

The day arrived for our departure on 17th April at Singapore Changi Airport. There were 3 groups of participants travelling at different flight timings. We could see that our seniors were excited as many had to get up exceptionally early on that day to make their way to Changi Airport. With the Lord’s enabling aid, the brethren, who were assigned to lead and care for their respective groups of seniors, safely and smoothly brought them to Penang Airport and then to Evergreen Laurel Hotel, as well as saw to their safe return to Singapore after the retreat.

It was encouraging to see quite a few of our seniors prayerfully trusting the Lord and attending this retreat in spite of their frail health. We witnessed the Lord’s goodness in taking care of each and every one of them. This brings to our remembrance, Philippians 4:6, “Be careful for nothing; but in every thing by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.” 

We had a blessed time studying and learning God’s Word on the theme, “A House Built to Last”, taken from Matthew 7:24-27. Pastor Koshy exhorted us through his 5 messages to dedicate ourselves to serve the Lord fervently, even in our old age. Pastor enlightened us that we are likened to the wise and foolish builders, who see a need to build their houses. Both the wise and foolish builders build differently, though they would face the same rains, floods and winds. Truly, what houses we want to build would largely depend on our responses and attitudes. The wise builder digs deep into the foundation, invests his time and energy to trust and depend on the solid rock and persevere to the end. However, the foolish builder makes a fatal error, lives a superficial or pretentious lifestyle (being complacent / compromising), and did not stand firm in his belief, so much so that he cannot withstand the trials and tribulations in life. What a timely message to encourage us to focus on the Lord Jesus in building our spiritual house, that we may not become weary and despondent  in the face of various trying circumstances in life! We pray that our Seniors would cling strongly to the Lord’s promises, and be wise builders in building their spiritual lives to last, and leave a legacy for their loved ones and friends. 

Throughout those 4 days, the seniors put into practice what they have learned by encouraging one another in the Lord and extending their hands of fellowship. Many of them were helpful, cared for and assisted those who were feeble and not so mobile. Certainly, we thank the Lord for His protection throughout in our travelling. Truly, “He giveth power to the faint; and to them that have no might he increaseth strength” (Isaiah 40:29). All praise be unto God!

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Testimonies from Seniors' Retreat Participants

Lee Kim Lei

‘A House Built to Last’ – that’s the theme of our Seniors’ Ministry Retreat (taken from Matthew 7:24-27). Thanks be unto the Lord for using Pastor Koshy to teach the 5 lessons which are clearly organised and expounded.  From the passage, an important lesson was drawn from two different builders – one wise and the other foolish. In the building of a house, it is essential that its foundation be strong. The wise builder will endure the hard work, persevere, and press on to the end (despite the difficulties or even in the face of others’ mocking). But the foolish builder would normally choose a much easier way in his building work.

I learnt of the two houses which the two men built. A strong house with a strong foundation is built upon the rock, whereas a weak house is built upon sand. When calamities or trials come, the house on a strong foundation will stand firm while the house on sand will crumble.

I learnt that I must be like the wise man so that:

• my house (which is my faith) will not collapse;
• I will be repentant of my sins;
• I will have greater longing for God’s Word;
• I will have more holiness in me;
• I will see the beauty of heaven and be more Christ-like.

I learnt that believers are like lively stones (1 Peter 2:4-8), where our Lord Jesus is the Chief Cornerstone of our house. We are to build up our spiritual house and become a holy priesthood. As a spiritual house built upon the Lord Jesus, we are to:

• offer spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord;
• render sacrifice of praise;
• do good and communicate (helping others).

I also learnt of the 3 important factors to do spiritual sacrifices unto the Lord:

1. Be holy;
2. Be spiritual;
3. Be acceptable to God.

Such rich and blessed spiritual feeding unto my soul and unto the seniors who feedback with much praise and thanksgiving unto the Lord. In my 12 years of service with the Seniors’ Ministry, I have witnessed several who were taken home to be with the Lord in peace, as well as quite a number who continue coming to our seniors’ meetings in joy despite their sick and deteriorating bodies. I am much blessed and encouraged by their testimonies. May the Lord continue to use us seniors to be a channel of blessings to others. Truly, “I have not hid thy righteousness within my heart; I have declared thy faithfulness and thy salvation: I have not concealed thy lovingkindness and thy truth from the great congregation” (Psalm 40:10). 

Julie Skariah

I thank God for the opportunity to join the 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Retreat of Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM) in Penang. For the past one year, Sis Gina has been encouraging me to attend the weekly GSM meetings in GMC. After prayerful consideration, I started attending their meetings in recent months, and was subsequently moved to register for this retreat. During this retreat, I was greatly blessed by the faithful preaching of God’s Word as well as the sweet fellowship with the seniors and other brethren. Thank God for strengthening Eld. Mah, Pr. Jeremiah and Pr. Daniel to plan and coordinate this retreat. My heart rejoiced to see many “younger” brethren joining this retreat to help and assist the elderly believers. Thank God for the safety and protection upon all the seniors throughout the retreat, though many are weak and fragile. I am certainly encouraged to see their faith and joy in the Lord. 

Praise the Lord for enabling Pastor Koshy to preach five messages on the topic, “A House Built to Last”, taken from Matthew 7:24-27. These were timely reminders for us to build our lives upon our Rock, the Lord Jesus Christ, and to offer our life as a spiritual sacrifice acceptable to God. God has chosen us to be part of a spiritual house to serve Him for His glory (1 Peter 2:5). I pray that the Lord will continue to strengthen me to serve Him joyfully for His glory. “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ” (Colossians 3:23-24). All glory be to God.

Thomas and Melanie Tow

In his sermons on the topic, “A House Built to Last”, Pastor Koshy challenged us to examine our faith and how we are living it out in our lives. Are we like the wise builder or the foolish builder in Matthew 7:24-27? A firm foundation in Christ is not built easily, but requires hard work, patience and perseverance, as we dig deep into God’s Word and let its truths transform our lives. Progress takes time, but the results are lasting. 

In the hymn, “The Solid Rock”, we sing, “On Christ, the solid Rock, I stand - All other ground is sinking sand…” If we adopt only the outward rituals of the Christian faith, never submitting to the Holy Spirit to transform us, we may appear to be religious. But the shallowness and pretentiousness of our faith will be revealed when we face the storms of life and especially death.  All will face the same end: “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment” (Hebrews 9:27). Thus, we can never take our salvation for granted. We must continually “desire the sincere milk of the word” (1 Peter 2:2). “For if after they have escaped the pollutions of the world through the knowledge of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, they are again entangled therein, and overcome, the latter end is worse with them than the beginning” (2 Peter 2:20). This is a stern warning to guard our lives and the choices we make. 

1 Peter 2:5 reminds us, “Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ.” Paul further beseeches believers to “present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (Romans 12:1). Our bodies are not to be instruments of sin, but rather consecrated to do His will. Through our praise and thanksgiving, we offer to God sacrifices of praise. We are also to help others, “to do good and to communicate forget not: for with such sacrifices God is well pleased” (Hebrews 13:16). We are called to share the Gospel and to participate in the ministry of the church and its outreach through our giving. We can say, as Paul said to the church in Philippi, “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus” (Phil 4:19). 

We praise God for Pastor’s timely messages. We were also very blessed through our fellowship with the other brethren. No matter how old or feeble we may be or become in the days to come, we will aim to fulfil our calling to be Jesus’ “lively stones”, bringing life and light to the many souls who are still in spiritual darkness. It is Jesus who makes us lively and useful.  We may think we are useless, especially as our health fails and we become dependent on others. But we do not cease to be part of the church, the gathering of God’s people and part of His spiritual house. May our lives bear witness to the firm foundation on which we stand, our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

Edeliza Ballega

“In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you” (1 Thessalonians 5:18).

Indeed, I thank God for His grace and provision that enabled me to participate in the recently concluded Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM) 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Retreat held in Penang (17-20 Apr 2024). I am overwhelmed with gratitude as I reflect on the time of spiritual feasting and fellowship, being enriched by the faithful exposition of God’s Word by Pastor Koshy. Truly, it was a rejuvenating experience, surrounded by senior brethren and vibrant young adults, all under the watchful care of our Almighty God. 

Truly, praise the Lord for His sustaining grace over the past 19 years, preserving and blessing GSM as a beacon of His goodness and wonderful works. Our church’s dedication to ministering to brethren in their golden years is a testament to His faithfulness. I am grateful for Pastor Koshy’s leadership, Eld Mah’s steadfast oversight, Pr Jeremiah’s dedication to taking care of the flock, and Pr Daniel’s linguistic talents, alongside their supportive spouses who tirelessly serve with the faithful men of the ministry.

The theme of the retreat, “A House Built to Last” (Matthew 7:24-27), resonated deeply within me. It reminded me of the importance of actively participating in God’s work and building up His kingdom. Just as the wise man builds his house upon the rock, I am called to build my life upon the firm foundation of Christ, lest I be like the foolish man whose house crumbled upon the sand. 1 Peter 2:4-5 echoes this sentiment, describing believers as “lively stones” being built into a spiritual house. As followers of Christ, we are called to be lively stones, firmly attached to Him, offering our lives as spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God. This requires complete surrender to His will and transformation by the renewing of our minds, that we may discern and fulfil His perfect will (Romans 12:2).

May GSM continue to flourish, serving as a source of strength and support for all involved. May each member be empowered to live as “ lively stones”, rooted in Christ and dedicated to His glory. All praise and glory unto our faithful God, who sustains us and builds His house to last for eternity.

Miriam Wong

Thank God that my father (Uncle Wong), Tika (his maid) and I were able to join Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry (GSM) 19th Anniversary Thanksgiving & Retreat in Penang this year.

Incidentally, my parents and I were one of the first few participants when GSM first started. To date, if my memory does not fail me, four among that first group have departed into glory. Looking at my parents’ health, I also don’t know how long more my father could still be joining us. (My mother could no longer join us already due to her ill health.) Thank God Pastor Koshy saw the need to start this work, assigning Pr Jeremiah and Pr Daniel to minister among the seniors.

Soon one day, whether young or old now, all of us would need to put our tasks down. Yet, when we choose to remain faithful to the Lord, He will make sure His work continue, with or without the founding members of the church or GSM. As God’s saints, we are called to be lively stones, being built up as a spiritual house. May our gracious God grant us grace to be faithful in following His leading. “For which cause we faint not; but though our outward man perish, yet the inward man is renewed day by day” (2 Corinthians 4:16).

Cheng Han

Thank God for the committee members who organised this Thanksgiving Retreat to Penang, for keeping Pastor Koshy in good health to deliver the messages, for safety and protection in our travel and stay in Penang, for a blessed time of learning God’s Word and mutual encouragement and sweet fellowship of the saints. In particular, I have been blessed by the hospitality and kindness of many brethren at the retreat.

Most of all, there were many spiritual lessons from God’s faithful servant on the topic, “A House Built to Last” (Matthew 7:24-27). The house built on the rock needs a lot of time in its construction, and cannot be done speedily. The house built on sand would be faster and easier, and so the builder can quickly finish the job. But behold the different outcomes after both houses have been completed. For the 1st house, when “the rain descended, and the floods came, and the winds blew, and beat upon that house, and it fell not: for it was founded upon a rock” (v. 25). For the 2nd house, “it fell: and great was the fall of it” (v. 27). Both houses face the same situations. One remains strong, the other fell. What makes the difference?

The wise builder digged deep and laid the foundation on the rock, which is not easy but wise (cf. Luke 6:48). But the foolish builder built upon the earth (less difficult but foolish) resulting in a house without a foundation (cf. Luke 6:49). Digging deep in rock needs hard labour. We are to dig deep into God’s Word and apply Bible truth into our lives, and knock off sins in our lives, though it is not an easy thing to do. Some people in church do not want to “dig deep” in their spiritual life. They prefer a happy and easy life. They are unwilling to deal with and to confess sins deep in their lives, and so have no peace. Hearing God’s Word can be painful. Jesus looks into our hearts. We need to check if our spiritual foundation is well built. Jesus hates sin. He does not want us to continue in sin. It is for our sins that He died for us. If we don’t let God’s Word transform us, we are like a foolish builder. True seeking and doing of God’s Word will lead to exposing our hidden sins, to repentance, to reconciliation, to real joy, to increased holiness.

Finally, may the Lord continue to bless the Gethsemane BPC’s Seniors’ Ministry and all its ministries to the glory of His Holy Name. Amen.

Hospitality is taught in the Scriptures as a duty of God’s people. In the Old Testament, God taught His people, Israel, to be kind and hospitable to even strangers (foreigners) because He Himself showed mercy to strangers (cf. Psalm 146:9, cf. Deut. 10:18). He reminded the Israelites that they too were once foreigners in Egypt, and therefore should not mistreat those who are newcomers in their land (Ex. 23:9; cf. 22:21; Lev. 19:33-34; 25:35; Deut. 10:19). The Book of Malachi even warned against those who turned away strangers (Malachi 3:5). 

The New Testament elevates hospitality from a social courtesy to a core Christian value. Jesus demonstrated it as a vital way to express the love that binds believers together. He had shown us that hospitality extends beyond hosting dinner parties. Jesus ministered the Gospel to the outcasts of the society (Jn. 4:5-30), fed the hungry (Jn. 6:5-12), healed the sick (Matt. 12:15; 14:14), and received the disciples into the upper room for the Passover by washing their feet (Jn. 13:4-15). His parable of the Good Samaritan illustrates selflessness—putting others first, even when busy or distracted (Lk. 10:32-37). It involves prioritising others’ needs over our own and quickly extending our help. 

The apostles, in their teachings, reiterated the importance of hospitality. Paul, in Rom. 12:13, emphasises that Christians should be “given to hospitality”, while Peter urges them to “use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Pet. 4:9). The writer of Hebrews warns against neglecting hospitality to strangers, hinting at the possibility of unknowingly welcoming angels (Hebrews 13:2). Even specific roles within the church, such as godly Christian women “taken into the number” (deaconesses) and elders, are expressly required to exhibit hospitality (1 Tim. 5:9-10; 3:2; Titus 1:8). Moreover, the early church’s gathering in homes of believers also made hospitality an even greater responsibility of Christians (Acts 2:46; 5:42; 12:12; 16:40; 18:7; 20:20; Romans 16:5; 1 Corinthians 16:19; Colossians 4:15; Philemon 2).

Jesus Received Hospitality

The New Testament further underscores the importance of hospitality through Jesus’ personal experiences. He was not just a Teacher but was also a Guest, accepting the hospitality of those who cherished Him and His Gospel. 

His ministry was marked by a variety of welcoming encounters. For instance, Zacchaeus, a tax collector, opened his home to Him (Luke 19:5-7). A Samaritan village received Him, and He stayed with the Samaritans for two days (John 4:4-40). A Pharisee named Simon invited Him for a meal (Luke 7:36-40). An unnamed Pharisee also offered Him food and shelter (Luke 14:1). Jesus also enjoyed the company and hospitality of His close friends from the village of Bethany – Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (Luke 10:38) – as well as others like Simon the leper (Matt. 26:6), and the two disciples He met on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:29-30).

Jesus Assured His Servants of Hospitality

When Jesus sent out seventy men in pairs, He prepared them for the challenges they would face. He warned them about encountering hostility and hatred. However, He also assured them that people would open their homes and hearts to receive and support them. He then gave them practical instructions on accepting the hospitality extended to them. 

He said, “Go your ways: behold, I send you forth as lambs among wolves. Carry neither purse, nor scrip, nor shoes: and salute no man by the way. And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the son of peace be there, your peace shall rest upon it: if not, it shall turn to you again. And in the same house remain, eating and drinking such things as they give: for the labourer is worthy of his hire. Go not from house to house” (Luke 10:3-7). Jesus’ words clearly indicate that God would provide for His servants’ every need. 

The Apostles Benefited from Hospitality

The apostles, too, benefited from the generosity of others. Peter lodged with a tanner named Simon and a Roman centurion named Cornelius (Acts 9:43; 10:5-6; 10:24-33, 48). During their travels, Paul and his companions were welcomed by Lydia, a seller of purple cloth (Acts 16:14-15), a jailer in Philippi (Acts 16:34), Jason of Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-7), as well as Aquila and Priscilla, a tent-making couple (Acts 18:1-3). Other acts of hospitality were also shown by Justus (Acts 18:7), Philip the evangelist (Acts 21:8), Mnason (Acts 21:16), and Publius (Acts 28:7). 

A spirit of generosity and hospitality existed among Jewish and Gentile followers of Christ and His apostles. They happily welcomed God’s servants, especially those who travelled from place to place and faithfully taught the truth (3 John 6-8).

Do We Extend Hospitality?

Jesus promised, “He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me. He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward” (Mt 10:40-42). 

Jesus emphasised that welcoming His followers is like welcoming Him and God Himself. This extends to God’s blessings. Just as a prophet is rewarded for his work, so are those who receive a prophet. The same applies to all believers - those who welcome and help fellow Christians, even in seemingly small ways, are blessed by God. This creates a beautiful cycle where believers can share blessings and receive them in return, ensuring no act of kindness goes unnoticed.

Sermon Text: Matthew 24
Speaker: Pr Cornelius Koshy
Date: 28th April 2024

Romans 1-11 lay the groundwork for the Christian faith, explaining God’s plan for salvation and sanctified lives. Then in Romans 12:1-2, we are urged to express these truths in our daily actions: “I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service” (v. 1).

Because of God’s Mercies

We note that the exhortation to live a renewed life is given with a reminder of divine mercy towards Christians – “I beseech you, therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God”. This highlights God’s immense compassion towards us, even though we don’t deserve it (2 Corinthians 1:3). Realising God’s boundless mercies motivates us to live a life for Him. It’s God’s grace and mercy that renew us for His service. Resolutions and decisions are good and necessary, but they are not enough to live unto God! His mercies are essential for living a life consecrated to God.

Living a Consecrated Life

Paul encourages us to consecrate or offer our bodies to God completely. The first aspect of our consecration of the body is that we “present” our bodies as “a living sacrifice” to God. The word “present” in Greek (paristemi) denotes placing a person or thing ready for one’s disposal. We must present ourselves ready to be used by God. Our desires for our bodies, whether in appearance or use, should be for the Lord’s glory and His holy will. Anytime we allow our bodies to be used by any man or for anything outside of God’s will, we are offering our bodies for unholy purposes! We must fight against our bodily desires and passions. Consecration requires us to stand with God.

The metaphor “living sacrifice” instructs us that we should devote our entire lives to serving God. In the Old Testament, when the Jews sacrificed animals to God, they would slaughter the animal and lay it on the altar. Similarly, we are on the altar of God’s service, but not as a dead animal! Christ died for us, so that we may live in Him and live in active service unto God.

We are to also consecrate our bodies in a “holy and acceptable” way unto God. Our bodies must never be used for anything unacceptable to God, as our bodies belong to God. It means living a modest life that is not conformed to the world. Our bodies should not be used for activities that are displeasing to God, but to honour Him. For example, we should not use our bodies to commit sins, and to enjoy and promote a carnal and materialistic lifestyle, which is forbidden in the Scriptures. Instead, we should use our bodies in obedience to His Word to honour Him, to help and edify others, and to spread the Gospel. Consecrating our bodies to God means living a modest and holy life, and presenting our bodies as a living sacrifice to Him. It is, after all, our “reasonable service”. Whenever we yield our bodies to anything that is not acceptable to God, we become unreasonable before God. 

Living with a Renewed Mind

In verse 2, Paul draws our attention to another aspect of consecration: the need to offer our mind to God. The mind is where all our thoughts originate, and where our passions are controlled or let loose. If our mind is not offered up to the Lord, it will be misled to follow the evil present in this world. So, verse 2 admonishes us: “And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God.” 

There are two facets of offering our minds to God. The first one mentioned is that we must not be “conformed to this world”. The Greek word for “conformed” means fashioning oneself according to something. So, we are advised here that we should not fashion ourselves after this world. The world’s standards and values are often opposed to God’s will. Ephesians 2:2 reminds us that the world belongs to Satan, who seeks to promote sinful lifestyles and rebellion against authority – “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience”. As Christians, we cannot behave like the world. We need to be different from worldly people (unbelievers), and our difference is the evidence of God’s love and power that saved us from our sins. John 15:19 says, “If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you.” Remember, friendship with the world is enmity with God (James 4:4).

Secondly, we are also to be “transformed by the renewing of [our] mind[s]”. The Bible uses the metaphor of transformation to describe this process of renewing our minds. The process of transformation can be likened to a caterpillar’s metamorphosis into a butterfly. A real change must be seen in our lives, and that change can only be worked out by the renewing of our minds. The Greek word translated as “renew” means a complete change for the better. This spiritual transformation of our minds happens when we yield to God’s Word to work on our minds through the power of the Holy Spirit. Through listening to and meditating on God’s Word, we learn to reject the patterns of worldly thoughts (which are displeasing to God) and to think according to the will of God, that we may live a life pleasing to Him. We are thus renewed and transformed!

A renewed mind is a mind that is set on God’s will and not the world’s. The ultimate outcome of a renewed life is: the ability to discern and embrace what is truly good, pleasing, and perfect according to God’s will. Let us seek the Holy Spirit’s guidance through prayer, and rely on His power to be renewed daily. May we show the world that we are changed by the truth and grace of God.

Sermon Text: Romans 2:25–29
Speaker: Pr Samson Hutagalung
Date: 21st April 2024

Sermon Text: Psalm 75
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 14th April 2024

Matthew 4:19-20: “And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.” 

These were the words of Jesus to His first disciples, Peter and Andrew. They were brothers. Previously, according to John 1:35-42, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, who pointed him to Jesus. Andrew then brought his brother, Simon Peter, to Jesus and followed Him. They also abode with Him. We do not know how long they were with Jesus. It appears that they returned to their fishing profession. So, they had some knowledge of Jesus because they abode with Him and had conversations with Him.

Peter and Andrew returned to their town and continued engaging in their trade. They were casting a net to catch fish in the Sea of Galilee when Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee. Seeing Peter and Andrew, Jesus called them and said, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.”

It was not a call to follow a human teacher but the Son of God, so that He may teach, train and use them for the purpose of His Gospel ministry. He was not calling them to make them better fishermen of the Sea of Galilee. His plan for them was far greater – to be “fishers of men”. They were no more to be fishermen of the sea, but to win souls of sinful men by casting the Gospel-net over all the earth, wherever the Lord would lead them. Jesus individually selected them, and urged them to become part of His ministry of winning people to Himself. 

When going forth as “fishers of men”, they would never be alone. The Lord would be ahead of them because He said, “Follow me”. Jesus would always lead them. He would be their Guide and Teacher. He would be their Example to follow. He would be their Friend and Companion. If they would obey His command to follow Him, His promise to them was that He would “make (them) fishers of men”. 

Andrew and Peter immediately responded to Christ’s call obediently. “And they straightway left their nets and followed him” (v. 20). As disciples, Peter and Andrew’s commitment to follow Christ was an act of faith. We must neither vacillate nor delay when we commit to Christ because we understand His call. God’s kingdom still needs dedicated workers. 

Dear friends, the Lord still calls Christians to work with Him to win people for Christ. If the Lord speaks in your heart through the Bible passages you read or messages you listen to, do not hesitate to follow Him and do His work. He will certainly use you for His glory, and for the salvation and edification of many.

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Testimony of Kynsai Kupar, a GBI India Student

I was born and raised in a Christian family. At the age of 12, I went to study in Sohra. Two months after arriving there, my father passed away. I studied in Sohra until the 10th grade. However, during my 9th grade year, I began experimenting with alcohol. It was more about having fun with friends than anything else.

After completing my studies in Sohra, I went to Shillong for higher secondary education. It was during these years that I fell deeper into substance abuse and all sorts of intoxication.

My understanding of the Christian faith was shallow. I would pray and read the Bible occasionally, but only because I was raised as a Christian. I wasn’t a regular churchgoer. By 2017, I was acting more like an atheist. I skipped classes and used my tuition fees to buy alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, and other substances. I lied to my mother, telling her I needed money for school projects when I used it for drugs. I lived according to my own desires, rebelling against any restrictions. Because I lived with relatives, I started coming home late at night and spending my nights drinking with friends in bars and at parties. I even went to music festivals with DJs, just to drink and party.

One Sunday, August 5th, 2018, a friend invited me to church with him. I declined, but promised to go the following Sunday. On August 12th, 2018, I went with him to a youth fellowship service. It was on that day that I heard the Gospel preached. The Holy Spirit powerfully convicted me, revealing my sinfulness, condemned state, and need for Christ.

I turned from my sins and repented, putting my faith in Christ and His finished work on the cross. My life was transformed. The Lord enabled me to leave my old life. I gradually distanced myself from my old friends.

Before, I loved dancing to DJ music. But after God saved me on August 12th, 2018, all that desire and those habits died. On August 15th, there were DJs performing at Ward’s Lake, and I actually went there with the intention of enjoying the music and dancing. However, it all seemed bland. I no longer had any interest in those things.

Now, I read the Bible regularly and love attending church. I have a strong desire to grow in my faith. When I look back on my past, I see God’s incredible mercy. If not for His grace, I would still be lost in my sin and condemned for eternity. God, in His love, sought me out and saved me, a sinner. Now, I have hope in God’s Son, Jesus Christ.