Sermon Text: Psalm 75
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 14th 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.
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.
Jesus asked, “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?” (Matthew 16:26; cf. Mark 8:36; Luke 9:25).
Jesus here used hyperbole, an exaggerated statement, to emphasise the value of man’s soul. Even if a man could somehow possess the whole world but failed to inherit the salvation of his soul, his ownership of the whole world would be worthless. No matter how wealthy he becomes, being mortal, man can only own them temporarily. At his death, he gains nothing from his earthly possessions. As far as his standing before God is concerned, his super-wealthy status has no value. By means of his wealth, he cannot purchase his redemption from eternal damnation in hell. His wealth cannot provide a worthy transaction for his redemption.
If not for Christ’s blood shed on the cross, what can provide us with justification and freedom from guilt and damnation? If Christ had not laid down His life as an offering for sin, our souls would have been forever damned. As the apostle Peter wrote, “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:18-19). To possess every precious thing in this world and yet be without Christ, is to be a pauper forever! Jesus said in Luke 12:21, “So is he that layeth up treasure for himself, and is not rich toward God.”
The riches, royalty and respect this life could offer cannot liberate us from eternal destituteness. The world and all its glories shall pass away (1 John 2:17). 2 Peter 3:10 says, “…the elements shall melt with fervent heat, the earth also and the works that are therein shall be burned up.” But each person’s soul will live forever – those who die in their sins shall live forever, tormented in the eternal fire of hell. But those who cast their trust in Jesus, the Redeemer, and forsake the world to follow Him shall have an eternity with God in heavenly joys and blessings. So why lose your soul’s eternal blessing for a few fleeting decades of self-indulgence in this life?
How sad it is that most people are enamoured by worldly gain at the expense of the heavenly rewards. Dear reader, there is nothing below heaven so precious and noble as your souls, and therefore, do not forsake the eternal salvation of your souls for the transient glory of a perishing world. Will you not care for your soul more than the body? John Flavel, a puritan minister, wrote:
“Two things a master commits to his servant’s care,” saith one: “the child and the child’s clothes.” It will be a poor excuse for the servant to say, at his master’s return, “Sir, here are all the child’s clothes, neat and clean, but the child is lost!” Much so with the account that many will give to God of their souls and bodies at the great day. “Lord, here is my body; I was very grateful for it; I neglected nothing that belonged to its content and welfare; but as for my soul, that is lost and cast away for ever. I took little care and thought about it.”
Remember: all you labour to gain for your body is transitory, and what you lose in your pursuit of material gain is eternal. So, abandon your fascination with this world and its riches for Christ’s sake, that you may gain eternal riches.
Dear Pastor, Board of Elders, and Members of Gethsemane BPC-Singapore,
Greetings in the blessed Name of our Risen Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!
It is with much joy and thanksgiving to the Lord that I greet all of you, on behalf of the church here in Cebu, Philippines: “Blessed 36th Anniversary!”
Praise and glory be to the Lord for the work He has accomplished, and is accomplishing, in each and every one of you – we are bound to give thanks unto Him. Under the leadership of Pastor Koshy, alongside the Board of Elders, and with the team of committed full-time workers, as well as the united support of the members, Gethsemane BPC (Singapore) has been extending the ministry of the Gospel far and wide. Yes, we rejoice in the Lord on the recent development and progress of the Gospel work in India, and in other parts of the world!
Likewise, we are greatly encouraged by how the ministries within the church have flourished from strength to strength for the edification of the saints, even the salvation of the lost. Truly, the Lord has done great things in your midst, and we rejoice together with you!
In this joyous occasion whereby we also remember the glorious resurrection of our Lord, consider the words of the apostle Paul in 1 Corinthians 15:57-58, “But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.”
All glory be to God!
Yours in Christ,
Rev. Reggor B. Galarpe
Gethsemane BPC (Cebu)
Sermon Text: Psalm 74
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 7th April 2024
Sermon Text: 1 Peter 1:3-5
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 31st March 2024
Lara Wee
In 1968, when I was 11 years old, a teacher hired a van to fetch my sister and me, together with other students, out to church. I attended the church (Zion Church) with my sister. After attending many services, we were very joyful and blessed. We decided to get baptized. Since then, we have attended the church without fail. I also invited my parents to join us, and they were also saved. Praise God for His saving grace unto the rest of my family.
After I got married, I attended Elim Church regularly. Later, when my children and their spouses attended Gethsemane BP Church, the Lord led me to follow them to attend GBPC. I was joyful and blessed to be in GBPC. I have been attending GBPC regularly. I am also blessed to have many new friends at GBPC.
Kevin Tai
Decades ago, my life took a drastic turn when I was diagnosed with a head and neck cancer Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (also known as NPC), which is a rare tumour of the head and neck originating in the nasopharynx. At that time, I was working in Hong Kong, and the specialist doctor, whom I consulted there, told me that my survival rate was only 30%. Only 1 out of 3 persons with this cancer has a chance to survive. I was advised to undergo 6 weeks of intensive radiotherapy. After my radiotherapy treatment, I was introduced to a Singaporean friend who also worked in Hong Kong. Knowing that I am not a Christian, he invited me to go with him to a church service. I felt obligated and attended the services reluctantly (as Sunday morning was usually my “badminton day”).
After a few weeks, he asked me whether I wanted to accept Jesus as my Saviour. I accepted the invitation to receive Jesus as my Saviour. I then joined a cell group that met near my place of stay. After many months of numerous medical appointments to treat my cancer, I was told that I was cleared of cancer. I believed God had healed me by His grace and mercy.
But my problem did not stop there. Due to the less advanced medical technology and method, the radiotherapy that killed the cancer cells damaged my physical body severely. It had resulted in an irreversible nerve damage from my chest upwards. My body gradually started to show other side effects, even ten years after the radiotherapy. A person has four main blood arteries, two in front of the neck and two behind the neck, which supply blood to our front and back of the brain respectively. Damages to two of those main arteries and nerves caused by radiotherapy had prevented proper blood supply to the back of my brain since then.
It resulted in a mild stroke ten years later, and I was warded. When the neurologist did a scan on my front neck, he was shocked and told me: “Mr. Tai, I cannot find your 2 main front arteries! You should not be here anymore!” I pointed my finger upward to indicate that it was my God who has done this wondrous “miracle”. Due to the stroke and nerve damage, I began to lose my ability to speak properly and to hear well. My eyes were also affected and I started to have double vision, necessitating me to wear specially prescribed prism-lens spectacles. But all these afflictions did not stop my faith in God and my Lord Jesus, whom I follow till this day. God kept me alive for His purposes, despite my debilitating health problems.
I desire to continue to serve God according to His will, despite my deteriorating physical health. I have been serving the Lord in the prison ministry and “halfway houses” for more than ten years. I am willing to offer my service whenever, and wherever God calls me, as long as I live and am able. Following are some Bible verses that cheer me to serve Him:
2 Corinthians 12:9-10 – “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 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.”
Romans 14:7-8 – “For none of us liveth to himself, and no man dieth to himself. For whether we live, we live unto the Lord; and whether we die, we die unto the Lord: whether we live therefore, or die, we are the Lord’s.”
2 Corinthians 3:5 – “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves to think anything as of ourselves; but our sufficiency is of God”.
Esther Tan Hui En
I was brought up in a Christian home since birth, and had received much of what my parents and the church taught about God and the Bible as the truth. Yet, for many years, much of this remained as mere knowledge without true spiritual rebirth. I was actively serving in Calvary Pandan BP Church during my teenage years, and while outwardly in church I appeared to be fervent for the Lord, I was more motivated by pride and self-glory. Concurrently in my school life, I was a completely different person – lazy, irresponsible and rude to authorities.
I remember distinctly a classmate remarking in great surprise when she found out that I was a Christian, and told me bluntly that I did not behave like one – those words pricked through my heart and made me realise the hypocrite that I had been. I turned to the Lord in repentance and received baptism in 2014, but my knowledge of God was still weak and lacking, and many worldly influences continued to distract me throughout junior college. It came to a point when although I was still attending church regularly, I was estranged from many of my church friends, causing me to be rather depressed. The Lord moved my heart to seek Him during this period, and I came across Psalm 34:8 – “O taste and see that the LORD is good”. The verse described a true and intimate relationship with God, to know His presence and to walk with Him – one that I had not yet truly known. That became my turning point to seek and desire what it truly meant to know the LORD.
I was convicted through multiple portions of Scripture (e.g. Rom 10:13; 2 Tim 1:12) regarding my salvation, as well as the teaching of the “Five Points of Calvinism” in my church Bible study in 2016 that further solidified my understanding. I began to understand my own total depravity, my deep need for a Saviour, and how now I stand before God only by the merit of my Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. Since then, though I’d failed the LORD time and time again, the LORD has always been merciful to pluck me out of my sin, so that I may serve Him.
I have been led by the LORD through not a few events to seek membership in Gethsemane BP Church, and my heart is filled with joy to worship and serve Him here. May the LORD be pleased to use my life as His instrument, for His kingdom and His glory. “For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God” (Colossians 3:3).
Gladys Lim
The first time that I heard about Christianity was in my primary and secondary school days in a Catholic school (CHIJ). I remembered having to worship a God that I did not know at that time, in a fervent and repetitive way that was taught to us. I had since developed a habit of prayer – to some supernatural being – that I thought could help me with my grades and relieve my stress. Except for my mother, my other family members are non-religious, and thus I did not make my “prayer” habits known to them. My mother worships according to her ancestral teachings of Buddhism. Not knowing any better, I was also influenced by her, and I “prayed” to her gods too.
After a long struggle with mental illness, by the grace of God, I met Yong Wei, who first talked to me about the true meaning of the Gospel. Along the way, I struggled to understand some teachings of the Bible, such as “wifely submission” and “not being unequally yoked with an unbeliever”. I also had some deep pre-existing biases against Christians whom I had encountered before, who were rather disrespectful and demeaning to other people. I was upset with them for advocating (with their mouths) kind and respectful treatment of others, but (with their actions) actually hating people.
These Christians’ double standards stumbled me: “Why do I worship God if I were to hate His people?” Gradually, I begin to understand that all men have sinned and come short of God’s standard. I can only say that it is truly by the grace of the Lord through the Gospel that I have come to a realisation of my own sins, and I acknowledge Christ to be my only Saviour and Lord. The Lord is truly good, and I do understand now by His mercy, that the faith that I had once misconstrued, is indeed the truth of God which I now submit to follow. I must bear the cross as a Christian, even if some would use angry words against me for my faith. My comfort lies in Jesus Christ, and the peace that He gives unto me.
I am grateful to Pastor Koshy, the elders and the congregation, for their kindness and hospitality that have made me feel welcomed. I can see that Gethsemane is a God-fearing church. I also am very appreciative of Yong Wei who continues to encourage me in my walk with Christ, as well as other church members who have taken time to talk to me. I do hope to continue to read and learn from the Bible, so as to strengthen my walk with Christ.
“But God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ, by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world” (Galatians 6:14).
Against the backdrop of the Judaizers who distracted some in the churches in Galatia from Christ’s perfect and powerful Gospel of salvation, and misled them to put their confidence in their own achievements in keeping the ceremonial laws of the Old Testament, Paul testified by declaring: “God forbid that I should glory, save in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ”. Here, he told the Galatians how ludicrous it was for him to boast about anything but the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. The false teachers of Judaism gloried in their legalism and in their success in turning some Galatians from the Gospel of Christ to follow their insistence on practising Jewish ceremonies. He rebuked this erroneous, conceited thinking in the previous verse – “For neither they themselves who are circumcised keep the law; but desire to have you circumcised, that they may glory in your flesh” (Gal. 6:13). Paul had understood that without God’s grace that provided Christ to be his Redeemer and Justifier, he would have remained as a condemned sinner (cf. Romans 3:27-28).
Paul truly knew he had nothing to glory in himself or in his achievements. Rather, Paul’s glorying was only in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. He was not speaking of the cross as a piece of wood or an ornament of precious metal. Neither was he exalting the cruelty and suffering symbolised by the cross. He was speaking of the cross of Christ, on which He bore our sins and died to pay the price of our redemption, so that we may be reconciled to God. There is no other means of salvation but Christ’s death on the cross. Hebrews 10:12 says, “But this man (Jesus), after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God”.
Paul also testified to the effect of rejoicing and glorying in Christ’s cross—“by whom the world is crucified unto me, and I unto the world.” In view of all that Christ has achieved for him through His death on the cross, the “world” (with all its sinful pleasures, earthly treasures, and honours) has been “crucified” or put to death, and is no longer fascinating for Paul to pursue. The world has no more charm for Paul. Christ alone is his passion and pursuit on this earth. As the hymn, “All for Jesus”, teaches us to sing:
Since my eyes were fixed on Jesus, I’ve lost sight of all beside,
So enchained my spirit’s vision, Looking at the Crucified:
All for Jesus! all for Jesus! Looking at the Crucified;
All for Jesus! all for Jesus! Looking at the Crucified.
Sermon Text: Galatians 3:13-15
Speaker: Pastor Prabhudas Koshy
Date: 29th March 2024
Sermon Text: Matthew 5:13–16
Speaker: Pr Jeremiah Sim
Date: 24th March 2024
Regarding Christ, in relation to his life, John the Baptist said, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). John’s ultimate principle of life and ministry is recorded in this verse. To him, growth in Christ meant giving up everything about himself for Christ’s glory.
John acknowledged that the advancement of Christ’s glory is essential because God planned for Christ, the Messiah, to supersede the ministry of John. John was only a herald of Christ. His duty was to prepare the people’s hearts for the coming of Christ as the Redeemer. The man of the hour was not John, but Christ. That is why John said, “He must increase”. John was committed to that divine plan. He had no intention to hinder the progress of Christ’s ministry. His only desire was that Christ would be magnified.
Growing in Christ is only possible when one allows Christ to have pre-eminence in his life. There must be increasing influence and direction from Christ in one’s life, so that he may grow in Christ. Such an overwhelming supremacy of Christ means increasingly submitting to His glory and will.
John also knew that if he did not diminish for Christ’s sake, it would be impossible for him to be instrumental in Christ’s advancement. His contraction was the natural outcome of his commitment to Christ’s increase. His heart was burning with the passion for the glory of Christ, and he gladly “melted away” from the scene like a candle, as Christ came upon the scene. He achieved it by introducing Christ to the world. John’s duty and desires were perfectly fulfilled when people moved away from him and gathered around Christ. He felt no regret that his popularity was diminishing. His character was here put to the proof. He gladly accepted his contraction because his most cherished desire – advancing Christ’s glory – was being steadily accomplished. Christ’s popularity, so far from exciting John to jealousy, filled him with holy peace and happiness.
Therefore, if we sincerely desire to grow in Christ, let us be mindful that we must be willing to place all that pertain to our self-gain under the pre-eminence of Christ. All who desire to glorify the Lord must be unselfish in their Christian life. If any of us is inflamed with personal ambition, he is a fake disciple / preacher / Christian. “But he that glorieth, let him glory in the Lord” (2 Cor. 10:17). Let us pray that our lives will be hidden in His glory, and that all may see His glory through us.
Jerry Moh
My journey of faith began when I was in upper primary school as my uncle signed me up for a children’s camp at his church for two consecutive years. That was when I learned about Christianity and how to pray. The following year, I started attending Sunday service with my father.
“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1). God has been my strength, especially when I left home for the first time at the age of 17 for my A-Level studies. In a city where I knew no one, I thank God for the Christian friends I met who supported and encouraged me to join their church services and fellowship meetings. I started reading the Bible consistently every day, though I’m ashamed to say it was not in depth. Thank God who gives me simple faith. It was in 2016 when I was convicted to receive baptism at a Methodist church in my hometown. Over the years, I thank God for His preservation, sustaining my faith and enabling me to worship Him when I was again away from home for further studies. God is truly my “fortress”, guiding me through different challenges in life.
By God’s providence, I first encountered Gethsemane BPC when I was invited to join a pastoral visitation during my visit to Singapore. As I was looking for a church after moving to Singapore in July 2022, I was encouraged to join Gethsemane BPC. I thank God for the faithful preaching by God’s servants in this church. During the fellowship meetings, I appreciate that there is always time allocated to Bible preaching, as I can be taught God’s Word by those with strong biblical knowledge.
I’m thankful for the teaching of God’s Word by Pastor Koshy and the preachers of GBPC, and for all the labourers of this church. Besides the ministry of God’s Word through the worship services, I thank God also for various ministry programmes like Bible Witness TV, GBI, etc.
I am a sinner saved by grace, not by the works of the law but through faith in Jesus Christ, as stated in Ephesians 2. I praise God for His many blessings upon me. Glory to God the most High! I pray that I’ll continue to cling to Christ and grow spiritually in this church.
Lim Cuiwen
I came from a non-Christian background, and had the chance to hear about the Gospel when I was invited by my senior to a charismatic church during one Christmas. However, I could not fathom what Jesus had done for us, and how we were all dead in sin and therefore needed Someone to save us. This eventually led me to leave the church.
In the earlier months of 2023, I experienced a lot of trials in my life which left me in turmoil. My friend then invited me to True life BP Church to hear the preaching of God’s Word. At first, it was hard for me to comprehend the Bible verses, but I thank God for the charity of the people who patiently explained the doctrine to me. Shortly after, I accepted Christ into my heart and truly believed that His blood has redeemed us from eternal death. Subsequently, I attended Gethsemane BP Church, through a friend in Gethsemane. I was profoundly moved by the sermon, which was based on solid Biblical teaching, and by the church’s unwavering dedication to upholding God’s Word and glorifying God. I realise we are all sinners who have fallen short of the glory of God. It is only by grace through faith in Christ, that we are saved.
I would like to share a verse that reminds me how God got me through those trying times – “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you” (Matthew 6:33). May I constantly be reminded of the need to walk right with God first, and to have my requests in line with God’s will, not mine.
(More testimonies next week)