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My last trip to the Philippines was four years ago. Visiting our mission churches in the Visayas region of the Philippines had been a burning desire for some time. By His grace, after boarding a midnight flight last Saturday, my wife and I reached Cebu on Sunday at 5.30am. We were joyfully received at the airport by Pastor Reggor Galarpe. He took us to a small, cosy hotel near our church in Cebu City. We quickly freshened up and had breakfast. Bro Allan Ebarle came in his car at 9am to take us to church for the morning worship service, which starts at 9.30am. The congregation was seated and ready for worship when we entered the church. Soon, the worship began with Pastor Reggor leading the service, and I was called upon to minister the Word. After the worship, we had a wonderful time of fellowship with the Cebu brethren.

Praise God that most members have continued in the faith and service of our Lord Jesus Christ. The Lord also added some new brethren to the church. We are grateful for Pastor Reggor’s labour for the Master in the ministries of the church, TGCM and GBI.

By 1pm, Rev Reggor drove us in the new church van (from an anonymous giver) to our next worship service – San Antonio – where a combined service of the two small congregations north of Cebu Island was arranged by Eld Eliezer Ortega, who ministers God’s Word among them. On the way, we visited Eld Richard Tiu, who had undergone surgery to remove a tumour from his liver. Seeing that God has graciously given him much recovery and relief, I exhorted him to serve the LORD faithfully. After the warm fellowship extended to us by his family, we journeyed north with some brethren from TGCM, who joined us in the church van for the trip to San Antonio. Four other families from the Cebu church drove up in their vehicles to join the combined worship. All arrived safely by 4pm, and soon the worship service began. I ministered the Word during the service. We were much encouraged to see that the brethren have been steadfast and persevering in their faith and service amidst the many trials they face in life.

After a sumptuous evening meal prepared by the brethren in San Antonio and a blessed time of fellowship, we started our journey back to Cebu at about 7.30pm. Everyone returned safely to Cebu by 10.15pm. The Lord granted us a good night’s rest for our tired bodies.

The next day, Monday morning, at 9am, Bro Allan fetched us, together with Pastor Reggor, to the ferry terminal and sent us on our journey by sea to Bohol Island. Pastor Reggor joined Carolyn and me on this visit to Bohol. Though there was a gale warning (maritime weather warnings) due to a typhoon passing through that region, the Lord gave us a smooth journey to Bohol. We spent time in the mission church with Pr Edsel, his wife Sis Juvy, and their daughter Eunice (19 months old). We heard their testimonies and reports of the various outreaches in far-flung places like Anda, Candijay and Trinidad. We thanked God for sustaining and using them for His glory. Sis Juvy served us lunch, which she had so lovingly prepared. We were much nourished and refreshed! We then checked into a nearby hotel for a short rest and returned to the mission church at 5.30pm for the fellowship meeting. Almost all the members arrived by 6.15pm. In the meeting, I exhorted them from the Word to bear unashamed testimony for the Lord. We rejoiced in communing with one another, and enjoyed the post-fellowship meal with the brethren.

Early next morning, at 4.30am, we left the hotel for the ferry terminal to travel back to Cebu City, and then to the airport to return to Singapore. We were thankful that the ferry was allowed to leave as the previous night’s ferry was cancelled due to a gale warning. However, our ferry ride was not without incident. Soon after leaving the port, the boat ran into powerful waves. When huge waves kept slamming against the boat, it started to lean more and more towards one side. The boat was considerably slow and battered by the waves for a while. There was great fear in the hearts of many on board, from whom screaming and loud prayers could be heard. On the other hand, we thank God for the peace and safety throughout the several minutes (probably about 20 minutes) of tremulous experience during that voyage. Providentially, I was led to think of some experiences in our Christian life and ministry as being like the rough and violent period of that two-hour sea voyage.

Brethren, I urge you to continue to pray for God’s servants who lead the work, that they will remain prayerful and faithful to Him. Their life and ministry have been tested by many difficult circumstances over the past four years. Pray for the younger ones (children of the first generation of members) that they will resist the world and be overcomers. (By the way, our Youth Fellowship is looking into the possibility of having a retreat in Cebu or Bohol in December. Pr Cornelius and Eld Low will visit Cebu next week to recce for the retreat. Remember them in your prayers.)

Concerning the Macedonian churches, the apostle Paul commended, “How that in a great trial of affliction the abundance of their joy and their deep poverty abounded unto the riches of their liberality” (2 Cor. 8:2). The apostle was citing those churches as an example of generosity that the Corinthian church should know and follow. 

Their liberality was the fruit of God’s grace in their hearts. 

In verse 1, Paul introduced the generosity of the Macedonian churches as manifestation of “the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia”. Their generosity was the fruit and evidence of God’s grace operating in their hearts. One of the effects of God’s grace that had saved them and continued to sanctify their minds, was their willingness to give generously and sacrificially to the needs of God’s people and churches everywhere. They were mindful of those in need, especially other believers.

Their liberality was shown amid great afflictions.

While they were “in a great trial of affliction” (v. 2a), the Macedonian churches expressed the spirit of generosity. Their afflictions were by no means small. The three words that Paul used, speak of the severity of their afflictions. The Greek word for “great” (polus) means “much” or “many”, and indicates the extreme nature of their ordeal. The Greek word for “trial” (dokim) refers to their ordeal as a severe test. The word “affliction” (thlipsis) literally refers to pressure, as in crushing olives or grapes. It describes the constraining, crushing weight of persecution and poverty that most Macedonian churches endured. Paul specifically noted that they were experiencing “deep poverty” (v. 2c). However, they did not let their suffering negatively affect their attitude of giving for others’ needs. Amid their trials, they put the needs of others first. They considered the care of other believers and churches as more urgent than that of their own needs. By God’s grace working in them, they rose above their afflictions to show charity.

Their liberality was extended with great joy.

The Macedonian churches were sincerely rejoicing that they could extend help in a generous manner. In fact, Paul says, “the abundance of their joy … abounded”. The Greek word for “abundance” means “a surplus” or “an overflow”. The Macedonians were abounding in their generosity without reluctance or grudging. They did not talk or act like they were under duress to give their support to others. They gave spontaneously and gladly, knowing that it was God’s will concerning them. 

Their liberality was not restricted by their poverty.

The Macedonian believers were impoverished, so Paul depicted their condition as “deep poverty”. The word “deep” translates the Greek phrase kata bathos, and it corresponds to the English expressions, “the pits” or “rock bottom”. The Greek word Paul used for “poverty” (ptōcheia) indicates that they had almost nothing, and were utterly impoverished. How amazing it was that they were giving cheerfully despite their dismal economic condition. If they were so poor, how could they abound in their giving? It must be that they fully trusted God to provide for their own needs, when they parted with the little in order to relieve others’ needs. Their liberality was the result of great faith and utter selflessness. 

Their liberality was overflowing.

Paul testified that the Macedonian churches “abounded unto the riches of their liberality”. The Greek word for “abounded” (perisseúō) implies that their generosity is overflowing. Scripture uses it to describe the surplus goods of the rich (Mark 12:44), an abundance of material possessions (Luke 12:15), etc. The word “riches” (ploutos), though referring to material wealth, is very commonly used in the New Testament to depict spiritual riches as well (cf. Eph. 1:7, 18; 2:7; 3:8, 16; Phil. 4:19; Col. 1:27; 2:2; Heb. 11:26). It appears that here, too, the spiritual richness of the Macedonian believers is referred to. Though they were materially poor, they were super-abundant in their liberality. The Greek word for “liberality” (haplótēs) has meanings such as “simplicity”, “purity”, “sincerity”, “faithfulness”, and “plenitude”. Paul’s use of this word indicates that the Macedonian churches were sincere or single-minded in their giving. Because they were single-minded to do God’s pleasure even in their crippling circumstances, they became generous. Double-minded people, on the other hand, will be worried about their own concerns and reluctant to part with the little they have in hard times. The Macedonian churches’ selfless generosity was evidence of their total devotion to Christ and His kingdom. 

Conclusion

May we, too, be guided by a similar consecration as the Macedonian churches in serving our Lord and His kingdom. If all of us in Gethsemane would look not only on our own things, but also on the things of others, surely we too can be a great blessing to the lives and ministries of many thousands of God’s people and many churches around the world. May God help us to be a blessing to others. 

Report by Pr Jeremiah Sim

The Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry praise and thank the Lord for His grace and mercy upon its members. As we recollect and commemorate 18 years of God’s goodness, care and faithfulness upon this ministry, we can’t help but to rejoice and be glad, like the psalmist who declared in Psalm 111:1-4, “Praise ye the LORD. I will praise the LORD with my whole heart, in the assembly of the upright, and in the congregation. The works of the LORD are great, sought out of all them that have pleasure therein. His work is honourable and glorious: and his righteousness endureth for ever. He hath made his wonderful works to be remembered: the LORD is gracious and full of compassion.”

It has been almost 4 years of restriction in meeting and travelling, due to the Covid virus forbidding us to travel abroad. Nonetheless, we rejoice and thank the Lord that this year, the restriction has been lifted, which enable us to travel to Malaysia. We are therefore able to hold our second Seniors’ Retreat at Holiday Inn Hotel, JB, Malaysia, in conjunction with the 18th Anniversary Thanksgiving of Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry. (We thank God for 43 participants in all.) Needless to say, the seniors were overwhelmed with joy in their hearts, as they have been earnestly looking forward to this 3 day-2 night retreat. We praise God for the much effort made for the smooth execution of the entire retreat. May God bless all the laborious efforts and logistical arrangements behind the scenes, as well as the labour of love put in by those brethren involved in much planning. We thank the Lord for aiding them in this whole retreat.

On the actual day of departure, we gathered joyfully with excitement at the Eunos open-air carpark near the MRT station at 9.15am, and prayed to the Lord for journey-mercies before we boarded the coach. The coach then proceeded to the second pick-up point at the Kranji MRT station area to fetch the rest of the brethren, before heading to Holiday Inn Hotel, JB, Malaysia. Praise God for His divine aid to bring us safely to the hotel, as well as for our safe return to Singapore after this retreat. Truly, this calls to our remembrance the apostle Paul’s words in 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.” 

Having received our hotel room card-keys, we had some free time till 6pm, when we had a sumptuous dinner. Thereafter, we had our first service at 8pm. It was wonderful to witness not only the elderly, but also the teens who had joined us, raising our voices in one accord to glorify God with our singing. After that, we received our first message from Pastor Koshy, who preached from the Matthew 5:13-16, on the topic: “Salt and Light”. We were taught that as Christians, we are to influence others by our testimonies, and also to live our lives for the edification of the saints. After the service, we proceeded to have our refreshments amid fellowship, whereby we encouraged and exhorted one another in the Lord.

On Day 2 of our retreat, our worship began at 8.45am with singspiration. Throughout the day. Pastor continued to teach us from Matthew 5:13-16. As “salt and light”, we must be prepared always to declare the Gospel and God’s marvellous works to the people of this generation. We truly thank the Lord for the three messages of Day 2, which not only assured and strengthened us, but further reminded us that we have this incomparable privilege (as God’s children) to declare His truths.

On the final day before we make our way back to Singapore, we continued with our worship from 8am onwards, followed by Pastor’s 5th message from Matthew 5:13-16. He taught us that as light of the world, we must be ever ready to shine for the Lord and not shy away from His Gospel truth. We must seek the Lord to help us expose the errors of others and declare His truthful message.

After the 5th message, we had “testimony time”, where several brethren (namely Dns Diana Chan, Sis. Miriam Wong, Bro. Ong Chin, Sis. Kim Lei and Pr Jeremiah Sim) gratefully testified of the Lord’s grace and goodness upon their lives and their loved ones. Their encouraging testimonies have indeed stirred the hearts of many of those present to give glory and honour to God too. After our lunch, we checked out from the hotel at 2pm, and arrived back safe and sound in Singapore around 4pm. 

Throughout these 3 days, the seniors put into practice what they have learned by encouraging one another in the Lord. Many of them have been helpful to care for and help those who were feeble and not so mobile. Certainly, we thank the Lord for His protection throughout in our travelling. All praise be unto God!

Testimonies

Ng Jui Keng

I am blessed to be one of the 40 plus ‘old folks’ who attended the Gethsemane Seniors’ Ministry Retreat (26-28 April 2023), held at the JB Holiday Inn. We were privileged to have a few ‘younger’ members joining us who were very helpful towards those needing assistance. Thank God for these brethren – who indeed proved to be living examples of “salt and light”.

It was a joy and blessing for me to meet and interact with a number of our more aged members over meals, refreshments, chit-chat sessions and short walks (during the afternoon free time). There is nothing like spending a few days together to have several relaxing and heart-to-heart conversations with various brethren at different times.

On a spiritual level, I was particularly struck by Pastor Koshy’s statement that “being ‘salt and light’ to both the Christian and non-Christian communities, is not optional but a command from Jesus”. In Matt 5:3-10, Jesus taught us how we are to live our lives according to the Beatitudes’ instructions. In Matt 5:11-12, Jesus warns us that the world will mock and persecute us as their worldview is contrary to what the Beatitudes teach. In the midst of this, we are commanded in Matt 5:13-16 to be “salt” in our interaction with the world, and to be “light” in pointing to Jesus Christ as well as sharing the Good News. As Jesus has said, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life” (John 8:12).

As “salt”, we must exhibit purity in speech and life. Through holy living, we can demonstrate the preservation impact of salt, as the world can receive peace and grace from God through our obedience to His Word. (A direct impact is the reduction of bitterness and moral decay in the community.) “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” (Rom 12:2).

Ong Chin (translated from Chinese to English)

“O give thanks unto the LORD, for he is good: for his mercy endureth for ever” (Psalm 107:1).

I want to praise God for bringing us to attend this 18th Anniversary Thanksgiving Retreat of the Senior’s Ministry. Praise God for allowing our pastor, Pastor Koshy, to preach God’s Word to us, on the topic: “The Salt of the World and the Light of the World”. This is the duty of all Christians and how all of us must strive to be. I, together with my wife, have learnt much from this retreat. Praise God also for the fellowship we had together with the brothers and sisters in Christ. Praise God! 

Hannah Wong 

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

I would like to thank God for granting me the opportunity to accompany my grandparents to attend the Seniors’ Ministry 18th Anniversary Thanksgiving Retreat. Praise God for the safety He has granted to each and every one of the participants, especially to the elderly folks. Praise God also for the fellowship that we had with one another during the free time. I am thankful to God for Pr Jeremiah, Elder Mah and the rest of the organisers who helped make the retreat a smooth one, especially when there were some problems on the first day. 

Thank God also for the fruitful time of listening to God’s Word, whereby I have learnt much from the preaching by Pastor Koshy on the theme: “Salt and Light”, based on Matthew 5:13-16. As salt and light of the world, Christians must be effective, useful vessels of God, bringing ‘taste’ and ‘light’ to the world around us, so that our testimony may be a blessing to many. We are saved to serve, and not saved to be served. I pray that I will be a shining light to those around me, both in the present and in the future. “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven” (Matthew 5:16).

Mary Pang

“Ye are the salt of the earth: but if the salt have lost his savour, wherewith shall it be salted? it is thenceforth good for nothing, but to be cast out, and to be trodden under foot of men” (Matthew 5:13).

Because of the lack of refrigeration in the early days, salt was used to preserve food (especially meat), which would quickly spoil in a hot environment. Believers in Christ are like “preservatives” to the world, preserving it from the evil inherent in the society of ungodly men, whose unredeemed nature go hand in hand with corruption by sin. (cf. Psalm 14:3; Romans 8:8).

The analogy of light to the world teaches us that the good works of Christ’s followers are to “shine” for all to see. Matthew 5:14-16 highlight this truth: “Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house. Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” The presence of Christians must be like a light in the darkness, bringing light to sinful men and doing good deeds which ought to be evident for all to see. Only by remaining focused on Christ and being obedient to Him, can we expect to remain as “salt and light” in the world.

Kim Lei

I have been truly blessed by fellowshipping with members of our Seniors’ Ministry for the past one decade. The Lord had done great things to our seniors in our midst. They are sober, humble, peaceable, loving and compassionate to one another. May the name of the Lord be magnified. “The glory of young men is their strength: and the beauty of old men is the gray head” (Prov 20:29). 

Being directed by the Lord to be involved with the Seniors’ Ministry has helped me to grow spiritually. I learnt how to interact with the elderly, how to comfort them when they are struggling with their health issues, loneliness and distress, how to assure them of the Lord’s comfort and presence in their every situation. Thank God also for the faithful preaching of our leaders (Pr. Jeremiah, Eld Mah and Pr. Daniel), as well as their care and patience towards every one of us in this ministry. 

Praise the Lord for enabling Pastor Koshy to teach us during the retreat on the topic: ‘Salt and Light’, based on Matthew 5:13-16. Thank the Lord for reminding me that the Lord sent light while I was in the valley of darkness. I also learnt that:

We should not be a “hidden” Christian, but be wise to be “light” to help others. “Then shall thy light break forth as the morning, and thine health shall spring forth speedily: and thy righteousness shall go before thee; the glory of the LORD shall be thy rereward” (Isa 58:8).

We should be useful “salt”, to bring flavour to His people. We should live as a peacemaker with a pure heart, by following the example of our Lord Jesus.

May the Lord bless our seniors for many more years, that they may worship Him and serve Him as ‘salt and light’ for His glory.

Yin May Nee

I am very thankful to God that my mother, her caregiver and I could attend the retreat. Truly, thank God that none fell ill or had any accident (like falls) during the retreat, especially since we’re having the retreat amid another Covid infection wave, coupled with occasional heavy rainfall during the afternoon break (when many elderly brethren left the hotel for short walkabouts in the nearby shopping mall). 

The topic of “Salt & Light”, preached by Pastor Koshy, was a timely reminder to all that it’s appointed unto us by Christ to be the “salt of the earth and light of the world”, despite our frailty as we age. To be “salt”, we are to influence quietly through prayers, being self-sacrificial in love, being pure-hearted and useful – much like salt which dissolves in the food, thus making it tasty. Furthermore, there are times when God wants us to shine our “light” through Jesus – by standing up against the darkness of sins in this world, sharing the Gospel and making ourselves a blessing to others. That means we cannot be a dim light, but be shining brightly for Christ when God wants us to do so. We are reminded that we are saved to serve both God and men, as well as to care for others more than ourselves. 

Praise the Lord that the messages were preached in English, and translated to Mandarin by Pr Daniel Lim, so that even our Chinese-speaking seniors could benefit from them. All praise and glory to God!

First, hear the Word with attentiveness. Jesus urged His followers, “He that hath ears to hear, let him hear” (Matt. 11:15; cf. Matt. 13:9, 43; Mk. 4:9, 23; 7:16; Lk. 8:8; Rev. 2:7, 11, 17, 29; 3:6, 13, 22). 

Second, receive the Word with understanding. The Lord Jesus expects us to receive the Word of God with faith and understanding. He said, “Hear, and understand” (Matt. 15:10; cf. Matt. 13:19). Let us pray, when we hear the Word, that the Lord will open our understanding (cf. Luke 24:45; Eph. 1:17; Col. 1:9). In His parable of the seed and the soil, Jesus said of a good hearer of the Word: “…he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty” (Matt. 13:23).

Third, abide in the Word with faith.  Jesus said to those who professed to believe in Him, “If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed” (Jn. 8:31). Hebrews 4:2 explains why some who heard and understood the preached Word do not enter the eternal rest of heaven – “For unto us was the gospel preached, as well as unto them: but the word preached did not profit them, not being mixed with faith in them that heard it” (cf. Heb. 4:6). May it be said of us, like it was testified about the Thessalonian believers, that “… when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thess. 2:13; cf. 1 Jn. 2:14).

Fourth, esteem the Word above all necessities. Job said, “Neither have I gone back from the commandment of his lips; I have esteemed the words of his mouth more than my necessary food” (Job 23:12). Regarding highly the Word of God above the necessary meals of a day is the proper attitude of a believer (cf. Deut 8:3; Matt. 4:4; 1 Pet. 2:2). 

Fifth, love the Word and meditate on it.  In Psalm 119:97, the psalmist expressed his love for the Word, “O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day” (cf. Ps. 119:48, 113, 127, 159, 165, 167).

Sixth, obey the Word and be pure. All God’s children who desire to please the LORD by keeping themselves pure will have a commitment to His Word. The psalmist said, “I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word” (Psalm 119:101). He hastened himself to obey the Word – “I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments” (Psalm 119:60). Jesus said, “If a man love me, he will keep my words: and my Father will love him, and we will come unto him, and make our abode with him” (John 14:23).

Seventh, declare the Word and defend it. Jesus said to a hesitating disciple, “Let the dead bury their dead: but go thou and preach the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:60). The apostle Paul reminded the church in Rome concerning its duty to spread the Word – “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? And how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” (Rom. 10:14-15; cf. 2 Tim. 4:2). God also expects us to defend or safeguard the Word committed to us (1 Tim. 1:11; 6:20; cf. 2 Tim. 1:13-14; Rev. 3:3), by not adding or subtracting from it (Deut. 4:2; cf. Prov. 30:5-6; Rev. 22:18-19).

Testimonies of Youths from Calvary Kuching B-P Church (II)

Testimony of Salvation of Daniel Teo

I was born in a Christian family on September 5th, 2002, in Kuching. I was baptized on Christmas Day that year in a local Methodist church. As a young boy, I attended Sunday School in the Methodist church, but did not pay much attention to the message. Sometimes, I even questioned myself, “Why do we have to go to church every Sunday?” And also, “Why do we have to pray all the time before every meal?” I felt like I was lost in a maze without direction. 

Then, my life changed in 2014, when my father introduced me to Pastor Koshy from Gethsemane B-P Church. Pastor Koshy’s sermons moved my heart, and they made me want to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. But after a few months, I began to question myself regarding whether I was really a born-again Christian. Then in 2017, when I was reading some Gospel tracts, some of the stories I read touched my heart, and they caused me to fear God. At that moment, I cried to the Lord, “Dear God, I admit that I am a lost sinner. Please save me!” And I felt the burden in my heart being completely lifted, and being “rolled down the hill”, just like the experience of the character of John Bunyan in “The Pilgrim’s Progress” story. 

Today, I serve the Lord in church as a pianist. I thank the Lord for giving me the gift in music. I pray that I will use this gift faithfully for His glory.

Testimony of Salvation of Samuel Teo

By God’s grace, I was born into a Christian family. From young, I have been taught about Jesus Christ and how He came down from heaven to die for helpless sinners. 

My family and I used to worship at a Methodist church before coming to know of Calvary Kuching B-P Church (CKBPC) in 2011, where we started attending the Evening Chinese Worship Service there. In 2014, it became clear to us that it was God’s will for us to leave the Methodist church after they introduced the idea of letting children partake the Lord’s Supper. By God’s providence, we came to know of the livestreaming of Gethsemane B-P Church’s Lord’s Day service, and started “attending” the English service from home. In due course, the English service of CKBPC was started (August 2015), and we have frequent visiting preachers from Gethsemane to minister to us. We also started to have Youth Fellowship meetings, mainly led by Pr Samson.

During my younger days, I was simply a professing Christian without giving much thought about sin and how it affected my testimony for Christ (even though I’ve said the sinner’s prayer). I was very hot-tempered and unable to control my emotions, often bursting out amongst my peers, not realising how much it had undermined my testimony for Christ. At one point, I even blurted words out of anger in front of my peers, only to realise how severe a damage it had done to my Christian testimony afterwards. Being ashamed of my sinful thoughts and actions, I submitted myself to the Lord by praying the sinner’s prayer once again in 2019.

By God’s gracious guidance, my attitude slowly changed, and God has helped me to become more patient and courteous towards others. I started to consider whether my actions are glorifying to God. During the Covid lockdown period, when our family spent more time together in devotion, I’ve also grown deeper in the faith, and in the love for Christ and His Word. There were still times when I sinned and returned to my old ways, but unlike my younger days, I would feel remorseful and that God being far from me. But I thank God that He is ever forgiving, gracious, and merciful in guiding me in my Christian walk, no matter how many times I’ve failed Him. 

I am thankful to the Lord for the reaffirmation of my faith. I pray that the Lord will continue to guide me to grow in my Christian faith, by prayer and meditation of His Word daily, as well as by bringing the Gospel message to those around me. May the name of Jesus be greatly praised!

Jesus repeatedly forewarned about a fiery hell, which the just wrath of God against the unrepentant sinners has prepared. 

Jesus used the Greek word Gehenna more than ten times, to refer to the unquenchable fire of hell (Matt. 5:22, 29, 30; 10:28; 18:9; 23:15, 33; Mk. 9:43, 45, 47; Lk. 12:5; cf. James 3:6). He never used gehenna to merely indicate the realm of the dead, which is identified by a different Greek word, hades. 

Gehenna originates from the valley of Hinnom, located just south of Jerusalem (Josh. 15:8; 18:16; 2 Kings 23:10; 2 Chron. 28:3; 33:6; Neh. 11:30; Jer. 7:31-32; 19:2, 6; 32:35), which was associated with the wicked practices of infant sacrifice to Molech, a pagan deity of the Ammonites (1 Kings 11:7). There they would sacrifice the children by burning them to death (2 Kings 17:17; 21:6; Jer. 32:35). Such heinous, abominable practice of the apostate Jews was prohibited by the LORD (Lev. 18:21; 20:2-5) and strongly condemned (Jer. 7:31-32; 32:35)! Certain wicked kings, like Ahaz (cf. 2 Chron. 28:3) and Manasseh (before he repented; cf. 2 Chron. 33:6), sacrificed their children in the valley of Hinnom. During the reformation of the godly king Josiah, the place of sacrifice in the valley of Hinnom was destroyed, and it was turned into a garbage dump, where a fire constantly burned to incinerate rubbish. It thus became a graphic illustration of eternal hell, a place where their worm does not die, and the fire is not quenched!

Hell is indeed a place of fire and torment! Revelation 20:14-15 describes hell as “the lake of fire”. The phrase “lake of fire” occurs in Revelation a total of six times (19:20; 20:10, 14 [twice], 15; 21:8). The lake of fire is the place where the wicked will suffer the torments of hell eternally. It is the place in which the wicked spend eternity in torment. John the Baptizer referred to hell as “unquenchable fire” (Matthew 3:12; cf. Luke 3:17). Jesus referred to hell as “everlasting fire” (Matthew 18:8), and “everlasting punishment” (Matthew 25:46). He also described hell as “the fire that never shall be quenched: where their worm dieth not, and the fire is not quenched” (Mark 9:43-44; cf. 9:48).

Gehenna, or hell, is where Satan, the Antichrist and the false prophet will be cast into forever. Revelation 20:10 says, “And the devil that deceived them was cast into the lake of fire and brimstone, where the beast and the false prophet are, and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever.” The Epistle of Jude also testifies to the eternality of hell fire, which is reserved for the wicked. Jude refers to hell’s torment as “suffering the vengeance of eternal fire” (Jude 7)!

In Revelation 20:14-15, casting the wicked dead into the lake of fire is called “the second death”. It does not denote, as some say, annihilation or complete destruction of a person. According to their false teaching, the soul and body of the wicked will be completely destroyed, such that they will not suffer eternal torment in hell or the lake of fire. Such a teaching of annihilation is unscriptural.

Jesus challenged everyone to deal radically with sin, or be cast into the eternal garbage pit of hell, or the “furnace of fire” (Matt. 13:42; cf. Mk 9:43-44), where “there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matt. 22:13). Those who repent of their sin and trust in Christ do not have to fear eternal hell. In Revelation 20:6, it is said, concerning the believers, that “on such the second death hath no power”. This is also affirmed in Rev. 20:15, which declares that “whosoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire.” He will never blot out the names of those who have trusted in Him for the forgiveness of their sins. The comfort of the believers is that their names are recorded in the Book of Life, and that they shall remain secure in the possession of the Lamb who was slain for them.

Testimonies of Youths from Calvary Kuching B-P Church

Testimony of Salvation of Dominic Chung

At a young age, I was taught by my Christian parents about the truths of God’s Word. I thank the Lord for blessing me with parents who guided me through many obstructions to my spiritual growth and my faith in God. When we moved to Kuching, we went to a Methodist church. The teachings in the church were not in depth. That was not ideal for my family, so we would often search for other churches that were more sound in the teaching of the Bible. During this “spiritually dry” period of my life, I was close to many non-Christian friends, who greatly influenced my thinking and my actions. Just as I thought there was no hope for my spiritual well-being, my mother “chanced upon” Calvary Kuching BP Church. At first, I was not used to its lengthy service and would find it tiring, but gradually I adapted to it, learning many new things about the truths of the Bible.

I want to thank the Lord for giving me such a wonderful opportunity to listen to all the sermons throughout the years. I also want to thank the Lord for Pastor Koshy and the preachers who have come to Kuching just to preach God’s Word. I have been reminded that I am solely a sinner – and how much God loved us that He sent His only Son to die for us and save us from our sins. Through the many messages, I have learned to trust and obey, as it is said in Proverbs 3:5-6, “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.”  I have also been exhorted to beware of getting tempted by the world, knowing that its temptation is only temporary while believing in God will bring eternal life. I pray that in my Christian walk, I may continue to serve the Lord and live according to His will. I pray that I may be able to bear a good testimony to be “salt and light” of the world.

Testimony of Salvation of Gabriel Teo

I was born in a Christian family. My dad and mum are Christians, and they are the ones who brought me to know the Lord Jesus Christ since I was young. I was taught that Christ is our only Saviour, and that we should believe in Him to have eternal life. After knowing that I cannot enter into the kingdom of heaven without our sins forgiven by Him, I, being a sinner, was worried that I would not be able to be in heaven with my loved ones. And that was the time I confessed to the Lord that I am a sinner, and I need Him to be my Saviour, that I may have eternal life. 

After believing in the Lord Jesus Christ, I found that my life has changed a lot, compared to the people in the world. I find joy in Christ as He has helped me, and has also been so gracious and merciful to me in my life. As a Christian, I need to meditate on God’s Word each day, that I may be more spiritually mature. My prayer is that the Lord will guide me each day, so that I will not be influenced by the world, but to be a good witness for Him.

There will be a temple during the millennial reign of Christ. We read in Zechariah 6:12–13, “Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD: even he shall build the temple of the LORD; and he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne; and he shall be a priest upon his throne: and the counsel of peace shall be between them both.” 

The temple mentioned in the above prophetical revelation is not yet built. It is clearly stated that the temple of this prophecy is to be built by none other than “The BRANCH”, who is Jesus Christ Himself. In several prophetical passages, Christ is referred to as “the Branch” who will sit on the throne of David to rule the world. “And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots” (Isa. 11:1). “Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth” (Jer. 23:5; cf. Luke 1:32–33). 

We know that the Branch, the Lord Jesus Christ, built none of the two temples of the past. Nor would he be implicated in the erecting of the tribulation temple. Therefore, we can expect a fourth temple to be built when Christ returns.

Ezekiel’s Prophecy of the Millennial Temple

The fourth temple that will be built – during the millennial rule of Christ – is also known as “Ezekiel’s Temple”, for the temple and its system of worship are described in great detail by Ezekiel the prophet (Ezek 40–46). Some interpreters reject the literal meaning of Ezekiel 40–48, and view the description as figurative of the New Testament Church. They go to great lengths to explain away the measurements and specifications of the temple building. Such a symbolic view seems forced. A natural reading of the text points to a literal physical temple. The golden rule of interpretation is: “When the plain sense makes good sense, seek no other sense.”

Some suggest that the plans were for a temple to replace the first temple which the Babylonians had destroyed. But the structure of the second temple did not match the one described in Ezekiel 40–46. The natural conclusion is that Ezekiel’s record of the temple is prophetic. Since this prophecy of the temple is set in the context of Israel’s national and spiritual restoration at the beginning of the millennium, we conclude that it is a millennial temple. Moreover, other prophetical books also reveal facts about the millennial temple and the offering of sacrifices.

Besides Ezekiel 40–46, other prophecies in the Bible talk about a millennial temple. Consider the following:

“Also the sons of the stranger, that join themselves to the LORD, to serve him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be his servants, every one that keepeth the sabbath from polluting it, and taketh hold of my covenant; even them will I bring to my holy mountain, and make them joyful in my house of prayer: their burnt offerings and their sacrifices shall be accepted upon mine altar; for mine house shall be called an house of prayer for all people. The Lord GOD which gathereth the outcasts of Israel saith, Yet will I gather others to him, beside those that are gathered unto him” (Isa 56:6–8).

“In those days, and at that time, will I cause the Branch of righteousness to grow up unto David; and he shall execute judgment and righteousness in the land. In those days shall Judah be saved, and Jerusalem shall dwell safely: and this is the name wherewith she shall be called, The LORD our righteousness. For thus saith the LORD; David shall never want a man to sit upon the throne of the house of Israel; neither shall the priests the Levites want a man before me to offer burnt offerings, and to kindle meat offerings, and to do sacrifice continually” (Jer 33:15–18).

“For in mine holy mountain, in the mountain of the height of Israel, saith the Lord GOD, there shall all the house of Israel, all of them in the land, serve me: there will I accept them, and there will I require your offerings, and the firstfruits of your oblations, with all your holy things. I will accept you with your sweet savour, when I bring you out from the people, and gather you out of the countries wherein ye have been scattered; and I will be sanctified in you before the heathen” (Ezek 20:40-41).

“And it shall come to pass, that every one that is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall even go up from year to year to worship the King, the LORD of hosts, and to keep the feast of tabernacles” (Zech 14:16).

What Will the Future Millennial Temple Be Like?

The final eight chapters of the Book prophesy the future millennial temple that will be built. Israel does not have a temple now. But when Christ returns to reign from Jerusalem, there shall be a glorious temple. Here are some of its major aspects:

It will be a temple like no other. No building has ever been built like the one described in Ezekiel 40:1–46:24. This fact proves that it still has to be in the future.

The temple will be filled with the LORD’s glory. Ezekiel describes a picture of the “glory of the LORD” entering into His temple, which he had previously seen as departing from the temple of his day (Ezek 43:1–5; cf. 11:23).

The temple will be the place of the LORD’s throne. Ezekiel also wrote about the voice of God that declared that this temple will be “the place of my throne, and the place of the soles of my feet, where I will dwell in the midst of the children of Israel for ever ...” (Ezek 43:7).

There will be feasts and sacrifices. In Ezekiel 40, burnt offerings, sin offerings, and trespass offerings are mentioned (40:39). The bullock, the he-goat, and the ram are to be offered (43:19–25). The blood is to be sprinkled on the altar (43:18). The meat offering is also incorporated (42:13). Morning sacrifices will be offered daily (46:13). The priests who are Levites are to officiate (43:19). Moreover, several feasts will also be instituted. The Passover feast will be observed again (45:21–25), and annually the feast of tabernacles will be commemorated (45:25). The year of Jubilee will be observed too (43:4–5).

The millennial sacrificial order appears very similar to the Aaronic sacrificial order. However, there are many significant differences between them. In the new millennial order, some of the significant features of the old sacrificial system will be changed or deleted. Not only has the temple’s measurements changed, but also the holy places have hardly anything like the furniture that had stood in the Tabernacle of Moses or the Temple of Solomon. We also observe that not all Levites will serve as priests, but only the sons of Zadok. (Zadok was a priest loyal to David and Solomon in times of rebellion against their rule. Zadok thus stands representative of the priesthood in association with the king of God’s choice and with the millennial kingdom as established by Him in David’s seed.) The Zadokian priesthood in the millennium thus differs significantly from the Aaronic priesthood.

It is also significant to note that many things that were part of the earlier temples are not mentioned as being part of the future. For example, there is no ark of the covenant, no pot of manna, no rod of Aaron, no tables of the Law, no cherubim, no mercy-seat, no golden candlestick, no shewbread, no veil, no unapproachable Holy of Holies where the high priest alone might enter, no high priest, no evening sacrifice, etc.

Although those things are absent, there are new things added to the millennial temple and its order. They are the glory of the Lord entering and abiding forever, the living waters that flow from beneath the altar, wonderful trees of healing, new distribution of land according to the 12 tribes, etc.

How can a sacrificial system exist when Christ has already died to atone for sins? There are those who object to a sacrificial system in the millennium. Their argument is that the idea of a sacrificial system in the millennium would mean that Christ’s atoning death was insufficient. It would be a reinstatement of a system that was abolished by Christ’s death. In answer to this, it must be made clear that animal sacrifices are not necessary for salvation. In the Old Testament, none was saved by trusting in animal sacrifices. The sacrifices served only as types and symbols. They point to Christ and His death. Similarly, in the millennium, none would be trusting in animal sacrifices for atonement. Scripture clearly teaches that it is only when the Jews repent and look to Jesus as the only Redeemer that they are delivered from all their sins and tribulations. The millennial sacrifices do not save. They function as reminders. They remind people of what Christ had already done on the cross.

Those who object to a millennial temple believe that the Old Testament sacrifices, which have been abrogated in the church age, would never be reinstated. But, as we noted earlier, it is incorrect to say that the millennial sacrificial system is exactly the same as that of the Old Testament. There are similarities and differences. The marked differences show us that the millennial sacrifices will be unique and distinct in their features (see Ezek 40:1–46:24; Isa 56:7; 66:20–23; Jer 33:18; Zech 14:16–21; Mal 3:3–4). However, the purpose is the same—not to offer a means of salvation, but to serve as a memorial of Christ’s death. Therefore, the millennial sacrifices will not minimise but maximise the importance and necessity of the cross-work of Christ.

There is another objection to a literal millennial temple in Jerusalem. The question is raised: Is it not impossible to build a temple of Ezekiel’s description at the ancient site? The temple area described by Ezekiel is larger than that of the ancient temple. However, Scripture records that the topography of Jerusalem will change when Christ returns. For instance, Mount Olives will split open, making a valley that runs through the land from east to west (Zech 14:4). Ezekiel’s description of the renewed city of the millennium portrays vast changes to it, including a river running out of it to the east and west (Ezek. 47:1–12). This surely would provide the space necessary for the millennial temple.

God’s Word shall be utterly fulfilled. The Lord told Ezekiel to pay attention to and declare all that was shown to him. “Son of man, behold with thine eyes, and hear with thine ears, and set thine heart upon all that I shall shew thee; for to the intent that I might shew them unto thee art thou brought hither: declare all that thou seest to the house of Israel” (Ezek. 40:4). 

The prophecy was to encourage the Jewish people with the promise of Jerusalem’s restoration and glory under the Messiah’s reign. It also educates us about our Lord’s omniscience, omnipotence and faithfulness that will cause all His words to be fulfilled.

Gethsemane Bible Institute (GBI) classes on Ezekiel just ended last week. We thank God for all who attended it. The climax of the study of the Book was its prophetical description of a future temple, which we refer to as the Millennial Temple. Here is an overview of the Temples of Israel. 

Temples of the Past

There were two temples in the past. Solomon built the first temple in Jerusalem, which was eventually destroyed by Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon in 586 BC. Some 70 years later, Jewish exiles who returned to Jerusalem, under the leadership of Zerubbabel, built the second temple and the walls of the city. This second temple was greatly enlarged and expanded by Herod the Great who recruited about 10,000 labourers to work on the second temple. It was in this latter temple that Jesus was dedicated. There He taught the Jews many a time, and cast out the money-changers on two occasions. 

Jesus also predicted its destruction: “And Jesus went out, and departed from the temple: and his disciples came to him for to shew him the buildings of the temple. And Jesus said unto them, See ye not all these things? Verily I say unto you, There shall not be left here one stone upon another, that shall not be thrown down” (Matt 24:1–2). As prophesied, the second temple was destroyed in AD 70 by the Roman general Titus.

The Temple Mount of the Present

Since AD 70, the Jews have no temple. This situation was predicted by Hosea the prophet in 746 BC: “For the children of Israel shall abide many days without a king, and without a prince, and without a sacrifice, and without an image, and without an ephod, and without teraphim: Afterward shall the children of Israel return, and seek the LORD their God, and David their king; and shall fear the LORD and his goodness in the latter days” (Hosea 3:4-5).

In AD 634, the temple mount was taken over by the Muslims. In 1099, the Crusaders captured it and turned the mosques into churches. Saladin returned it to Arab rule in 1187. The Jews liberated the temple mount from Jordanian control in the Six-Day War of 1967, but later returned it to the custody of the Muslim Waqf (Jordan). Today, the “Dome of the Rock” is situated near the centre of the temple mount, with the Al Aqsa Mosque built at its southern end.

Temples of the Future

There will be two temples in Jerusalem. The first will exist in the seven-year tribulation period, and the second in the millennial period.

The Tribulation Temple

During the tribulation period, there will be a place of sacrifice for the Jews, which the Antichrist will eventually desecrate. In Daniel 9:27, we read that the Antichrist (“the prince”) “shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate”. The word “week” literally means “seven”. In the context of this verse, it refers to a seven-year period which will begin when Antichrist makes a covenant with the Jews. But in the middle of that period (i.e. after three and a half years), he will break his covenant with the Jews by ending their sacrifices and desecrating their place of worship. Though the word “temple” does not appear in Daniel 9:27, other Scripture portions that deal with the last days indicate the presence of a “temple” in Jerusalem. Jesus, in His message on the end times, foretold that the “abomination of desolation”, already mentioned in Daniel 9:27, shall desecrate “the holy place” (Matt 24:15).

What could Jesus have meant by the phrase “the holy place”? In the only other New Testament passage where the phrase is used, it plainly refers to the temple itself (Acts 21:28). David also referred to the temple as the Lord’s holy place (Ps 24:3). Moreover, in 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4, Paul said that the Antichrist will desecrate the temple: “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” Therefore, we conclude that there will be a temple in Jerusalem during the tribulation period – just as Daniel, Jesus and Paul had predicted.

(Next week, more on the future millennial temple.) 

Update from Vizag, India

Dear Pastor,

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

By God’s grace, we have some brethren regularly coming for our worship services. It has been our prayer and desire to teach them basic Bible doctrines, and add them to the communicant membership of the church. We managed to conduct two batches of “Basic Bible Knowledge” catechism class thus far. Those who finished these lessons have been given membership in our church on last Lord’s Day. All in, nine members who are part of the English services in City and Kotapadu have been given membership. We look forward to conducting catechism classes for Telugu worshippers in their local language, and issuing membership for them too. In the early church, members who became part of the church continued gathering even daily in houses for worship. They remained in fellowship with the church “with gladness and singleness of heart”. The Lord also added more members to the church (Acts 2:46-47). Please pray that all of us who become part of the church here, will also grow in the Lord and in the fellowship of the church.

We are coming to the end of another semester in the Gethsemane Bible Institute (GBI). Three students (Palivela Bujjibabu, Anand Taneti and Doddi Chinnarao), who have just finished their courses, will be graduating this year. We are planning for the Graduation and Thanksgiving Service on 3rd May 2023.  Thank you for confirming your availability to visit us and preach during this service. We look forward to the reopening of the college in July 2023. We do have some new enquiries (for admission to GBI) from other states like Odisha and Meghalaya. Hope that these students will be able to seek enrolment soon, and join us for the upcoming semester. 

Incidentally, the owner of the premises, which we currently use for GBI in Kotapadu, is preparing to sell the school and land. I heard from him that he is in the final stages of documentation work to take advance and sell it. It seems that he will officially finish the sale within four or five months. Please do pray for the provision of a new place for the college. I will be looking for suitable places available for rental during this term break.

We are grateful for the prayers and support of the church for the ministry here. May the Lord continue to bless the ministries of the church in Singapore and in other parts of the world. 

In Christ,
Sujith Samuel

Proverbs 10:2a cautions us: “Treasures of wickedness profit nothing”. This warning is more pertinent than ever before. Countries, organisations and individuals who once advocated and promoted a morally upright way of life, and who also flourished economically, today appear to have lost their determination and mettle to continue in the same perspective about life. In the name of economic security and progress, immorality and destructive lifestyles are accommodated everywhere. This tolerance of an immoral lifestyle for economic reasons will not bring any true gain, according to the Bible.

“Treasures”

The Hebrew word for “treasures” (אֹוצָר [ʾowtsar]) refers to wealth and possessions. “Treasures” are often mentioned as God’s gift, and as His reward to His servants. The Bible promises “treasures” to those who will love God and live by His Word. For instance, Proverbs 15:6a says, “In the house of the righteous is much treasure”. Likewise, Proverbs 21:20 affirms, “There is treasure to be desired and oil in the dwelling of the wise”. Therefore, treasure (or wealth) is in itself not evil.

However, if wealth is regarded above all other matters of life, especially spiritual and moral principles and duties, it becomes an evil thing. So says Scripture: “Labour not to be rich” (Proverbs 23:4). It is a great evil to give pre-eminence to affluence and prosperity. Scripture also warns, “He that hasteth to be rich hath an evil eye, and considereth not that poverty shall come upon him” (Proverbs 28:22). So, let our conviction be thus: “Better is the poor that walketh in his uprightness, than he that is perverse in his ways, though he be rich” (Proverbs 28:6)!

“Treasures of Wickedness”

“Treasures of wickedness” refers to ill-gotten wealth. Greed and covetousness lead man to earn money through all kinds of unjust, deceptive, violent, sensual and cruel methods. “Treasures of wickedness” are the fruits of selfish desires.

That kind of wealth which men get unjustly will do them no good, because God will blast it. Proverbs 22:16 says that there is one that “oppresseth the poor to increase his riches”. There are also those who borrow much to appear rich (cf. Proverbs 13:7a), thus making themselves enslaved to worry and work.

Proverbs 13:11 warns against “wealth gotten by vanity”. It is referring to wealth gotten through greedy and wicked means; such will prove to be of no lasting value. James 5:1-5 decries such wealth gained through vain means — “Go to now, ye rich men, weep and howl for your miseries that shall come upon you. Your riches are corrupted, and your garments are motheaten. Your gold and silver is cankered; and the rust of them shall be a witness against you, and shall eat your flesh as it were fire. Ye have heaped treasure together for the last days. Behold, the hire of the labourers who have reaped down your fields, which is of you kept back by fraud, crieth: and the cries of them which have reaped are entered into the ears of the Lord of sabaoth. Ye have lived in pleasure on the earth, and been wanton; ye have nourished your hearts, as in a day of slaughter.”

“Treasures of Wickedness Profiteth Nothing”

“Treasures of wickedness profit nothing: but righteousness delivereth from death.” Such rancid wealth rots the heart of the one who gets it, and it cannot save one from his ultimate demise. Righteousness, however, is a far more precious treasure. The righteousness of the Eternal God – a gift endowed on us by grace through faith – is greater than the limits imposed by our mortality, and it is powerful enough to redeem our souls from death.

“Treasures of wickedness” may dazzle and furnish a greedy heart with gratification. The treasures of wicked people – even the treasures which they have acquired through wicked or ungodly means – will profit nothing, no matter how safely they are laid up. They will profit neither the soul nor the body. They will not secure any true comfort or happiness. Instead, such treasures, gained through wicked means, will bring much trouble and sorrow!

Dear readers, keep yourselves away from every ungodly and filthy place set up to provide jobs and businesses. The money they offer may be huge and very attractive, but do not forget the warnings of God’s Word. Working in such places can destroy you, your family, friends and others. It is better to be poor and pure than wealthy and filthy.

Testimonies of Youths Who Have Reaffirmed Their Faith

Abigail Chung

Being in a Christian family, my parents have always faithfully brought my siblings and me to church every week to attend worship services and fellowship meetings. I thank the Lord that my parents have been strict with my spiritual growth from young. My family came from a traditional Methodist background, and my mother tried for several years to find a more suitable church for my family’s spiritual growth. I thank the Lord that my mother came across Calvary Kuching BPC back in 2015 “by accident”, when she went to a nearby bank. In the beginning, it was difficult to be accustomed to BPC’s lengthier worship services; I was still young and was used to attending shorter services in our previous Methodist church, so sitting through the service was arduous. I thank God for granting me strength and patience during this transition. 

As I grew older, my understanding of God’s Word increased. But this led to new challenges. In secondary school, I was often asked, “Is Jesus real?” and “Can you prove that he is real?” I had many non-believing friends, and they raised many questions about Christianity. I’ve tried to answer as much as I could, but at times the things they said seemed to make more sense, which caused me to waver. I was often made fun of for being the “Christian girl”, because I turned down many group hangouts during the weekends to attend church activities. Before this, I was certain that I loved and trusted in Jesus Christ, but I realised that I lacked earnestness and sincerity. I was not reading God’s Word every day and often fell into temptation. I’ve also started to doubt the words of the Bible. But as I continued attending church services, I came to understand that this was a trial for me. During this difficult time, I’ve learned to look to God and pray for guidance and wisdom. I also became more aware of my sins and the need for Christ, the Saviour, whom I trusted for salvation. I am grateful for the assurance of salvation that Jesus gave me through His Word. “O LORD my God, in thee do I put my trust: save me from all them that persecute me, and deliver me” (Psalm 7:1).

I thank the Lord for guiding me to Gethsemane BPC, and giving me the opportunity to study God’s Word weekly. I thank God that I am able to attend the Youth Fellowship and serve Him in the youth choir. Through Pastor Koshy’s teaching and Catechism lessons (by elders), I realise the importance of taking my stand as a Christian. The world will not get any better, and it is crucial that, as God’s children, we will not be swayed by worldly distractions. I pray that I will continue to have trust in the Lord and not allow worldly distractions to draw me away from serving and loving Him. I also pray that the Lord will help me to guide more people, especially my close friends and relatives, to believe in the Lord. 

God’s love for us is so great that He sent His only begotten Son to die on the cross for our sins, to grant us everlasting life. “That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life” (John 3:15-16).

Hans Lee

“Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me” (John 14:6).

I am grateful for the various different struggles that God has put me through in my life. Whatever they be, I thank God I still trusted and relied on Him. Having godly parents and being in a Bible-teaching church certainly help me in this regard. I thank God for my parents’ teaching, which I think have laid the foundation for me to further understand the teachings during the Catechism Class, especially on the Westminster Confession of Faith (WCF). I understand a lot more about the acronym ‘TULIP’ and many other things that I’ve learned from the WCF. So, I am really thankful for both parents and church leaders, who teach me the ways of the Lord. 

I’m also thankful for the lessons learnt from Youth Fellowship meetings, which help me understand more about discipleship and spiritual vigilance. One thing that I feel that I have not been doing is following God’s will. I sometimes follow my own desires when deciding on major things. But from the Catechism Class, I now understand that I must follow God’s will. I acknowledge that my salvation is only through Jesus Christ, that I am a sinner and that Jesus died for sinners to save us from our sins. As such, I trust in God to lead me all the way through trials and testings. To end my testimony, I like to draw inspiration from Jesus’ example – “Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done” (Luke 22:42).

Nathanael Chung

Growing up in a Christian family, going to church easily became a routine for me. My parents are faithful to the Lord and they took my siblings and me to church weekly, without fail. However, my childish idea of a church was that it was a place where I could play with friends, and where sermons and children’s Bible classes were simply background programme. My parents often told me stories from the Bible and helped me memorise parts of Scripture, but the precious meaning never sank in until much later. 

After moving to Kuching, I joined my school’s Christian Fellowship group, but it didn’t bring me any closer to God. Eventually, God led my family to Calvary Kuching BPC, where my spiritual eyes were opened through video recordings of Pastor Koshy’s sermons, as well as preachers who flew over to minister to us. I started to have an interest in the Word of God. After moving back to Singapore and attending Gethsemane BPC, I can still feel my love for hearing His Word grow more and more. I’m thankful to God for Pastor Koshy and the many preachers and elders who are devoted to serving Him, especially Pr Samson.

I thank the Lord for saving me and I am learning to fully trust Him with all my troubles, for He is the omnipotent, omniscient and omnipresent God. The Lord has been gracious to bless me with many blessings, such as godly parents and a God-honouring church, despite my many sins and spiritual shortcomings. He has helped me resist following my worldly friends down a worldly path, even giving me the opportunity to share the Gospel with some of them. Praise God for sending His only Son to die in our place, that we may have the gift of salvation and eternal life. May my faith not falter, and I pray the Lord will continue to lead me in my spiritual walk with Him, for He is my Shepherd.

Goh Xin Yi

Growing up in a Christian family, I have been taught by my God-fearing parents to love the Lord with all my heart, all my soul and all my might. Even though I had been exposed to biblical doctrine at a tender age, learning about the truths and Gospel preached, I felt I was still lacking something: the desire to find out more of God’s truths. There were countless times when I felt lost, when I could not resolve my troubles not only in school but also troubles that were all bottled up inside me. Instead of going to the Lord in prayer, I would often try to find a way out through listening to music. However, I felt that the content in the music I listened to was in fact not biblical, but actually erroneous and not God-honouring. 

Slowly, I felt myself drifting away further and backsliding, which in turn caused me to act a lot like my non-Christian schoolmates for a period of time and made me seriously doubt my salvation. I felt the need to change, and I am thankful that God has called me back to His flock. Through the series of lessons in the Catechism Class, I learnt precious spiritual lessons that have changed not only my mindset, but also rekindled my love towards learning more about God and His truths. As Jeremiah 17:9 tells us, “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Indeed, even though I have sought the forgiveness of my Lord, this verse reminds me of how evil the heart is, serving as a lesson that I never want to forget and repeat. All praise and glory be to God!

Isaiah Wong

Growing up, I always thought I was different, for I am homeschooled. Now, I appreciate why my parents made that decision. I understand that they wanted to expose God’s Word to me at an early age, that I may have a strong and firm foundation in the Lord, and not be too greatly influenced by the world and its devices. I am truly grateful for all the godly influences in my life – God-fearing parents at home, godly examples in church and, most importantly, God’s Word, the Bible. I only realised I was a sinner and that all have come short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23), when God pricked my heart through the messages from the Bible and from admonitions of godly people. 

Now I can say, “I am a sinner saved by grace!” Praise be to God! My prayer is that I will continue to bear a good testimony and to live my life for the Lord. Knowing that all things of this temporal world will come to an end, except the Word of God, may I echo the words of Jim Elliot, that my life may be so – “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” As the psalmist says, “Let all those that seek thee rejoice and be glad in thee: and let such as love thy salvation say continually, Let God be magnified” (Psalm 70:4; cf. 40:16). Amen!

Parousia Chan

My name “Parousia” was given to me by my parents as they wanted me to look to the “Coming” of the Lord. When I was young, I did not give much thought to its significance even though I understood its meaning. Over the years, as many teachers and friends have commented that my name is unique, its significance slowly dawns upon me.

I thank the Lord that I was brought up in a Christian family. Since young, my parents have been bringing me to attend Sunday services, prayer meetings, GCM sessions, and other activities organised by the church. These gave me an early exposure to Bible truths, which led me to confess my sins and trust in Jesus Christ, who died on the cross to redeem me.

As I grew older, I started to encounter people who have ungodly views and behaviour in school and other places that I frequent. At times, they could be very influential and it is a challenge for me to uphold a good Christian testimony. However, through the Word ministered clearly by our pastor and preachers in church services and Youth Fellowship meetings that I regularly attend, I have gained a deeper understanding of the doctrines and commandments in the Bible, and have understood that I have to separate myself from the world – “for what fellowship … hath light with darkness?” (2 Cor 6:14). I am encouraged by the fact that Jesus has promised to send the Holy Spirit to believers, who will guide us and prompt us to turn back to Him when we have sinned.

I also thank God for the recent Catechism Class that I attended, where Eld Francis and Eld Choy reinforced in us the key doctrines of our Christian faith, including the signs of the last days (warning us to be ready for the Lord’s “Parousia”) and the characteristics of the true Christian church. I pray that I will continue to place my trust in God and grow in my walk with Him. “Blessed is the man that trusteth in the LORD, and whose hope the LORD is” (Jeremiah 17:7).

1 Corinthians 15:3b-4 "Christ died for our sins according to the scriptures; and that he was buried, and that he rose again the third day according to the scriptures."

The resurrection of Jesus Christ is a very important doctrine of our Christian faith. Some of the important implications of Christ’s resurrection are mentioned below: 

• Christ’s resurrection was prophesied in the Old Testament; so His resurrection proves that the Bible is true in all that it says, even about the future (Isaiah 53:10; Job 19:25-26; Psalms 16:9-11; 110:1).
• Christ’s resurrection from the dead proves that God has accepted His sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 1:21).
• If Jesus had not been raised from the dead, the Gospel that we preach is not true, and all who believe on it would perish (1 Corinthians 15:17).
• Our justification was secured by Christ’s obedience to death, and therefore He was raised from the dead (Romans 4:25). 
• Christ’s resurrection is also a pledge of the resurrection of all believers (Romans 8:11; 1 Corinthians 6:14; 15:47-49; Philippians 3:21; 1 John 3:2). 
• Because Christ is risen, He therefore now lives in heaven to intercede for us before the Father (Romans 8:34), and also to prepare a place in heaven for us (John 14:2-3).

Testimonies of New Members

Asher Vijayandran

“Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new” (2 Corinthians 5:17). 

I was born and raised in a Hindu family, praying and offering sacrifices to idols. Growing up, like most of the teens in my neighbourhood, I started mixing around with bad company. I joined gangs and started smoking and drinking. I even became very rebellious and strayed to the wrong path, engaging in all kinds of illegal activities, including peddling of drugs on the streets. Soon, I started abusing drugs and became addicted myself. My parents detested me and my siblings wished I were dead. I failed in my responsibility as a son and a brother. All I cared for was my friends in the drug circle. Because of my drug addiction, I’d been in and out of prison 6 times! 

On my second last “visit” (i.e. my 5th time) to prison where I was sentenced 2 years, I started attending Chapel and Bible services inside prison, but I wasn’t too serious about it. Upon my release in 2013, one of my childhood friends, Rufus, kept talking to me about Jesus and his church. During that time, I was going through a lot of financial and social problems, I started drinking a lot and also consuming a lot of depression pills. Out of desperation one day, I “blindly” followed my friend Rufus to this big church called “New Creation Church”. During the worship, I felt so guilty about what kind of person I was and whatever I did in my life. The pastor, after preaching about “Love of God Calling Sinners to Repentance and New Life in Christ”, asked who wanted to accept Christ. I immediately put up my hand and repeated the sinner’s prayer. After that church service, I signed up for water baptism, and I was baptized in New Creation Church on 17 May 2014. 

Though a new Christian, I wasn’t really serious in my walk with God. I just thought it was “cool” being a Christian worshipping in a mega church. I really didn’t understand the truth of God’s salvation work. New Creation Church kept preaching about the Gospel of grace, and that we need not worry about our current and future sins because Jesus had paid for them at the cross. I took it somehow as a licence to sin because I had the misguided confidence that whatever sins I did, Jesus will forgive them. I backslided, and somehow went back to my old ways. Soon, I stopped attending church and chose to spend time with my drug circle friends once more. Sadly, I was back on drugs and again ended up in prison (for the 6th time). At that point of time, my family really gave up all hope on me. They even said that the so-called Hindu gods were angry and were punishing me for becoming a Christian. I knew I deserved all the bad things they said about me, but it really pained me and made me feel so guilty when they despised Christianity because I had brought shame to it. 

That was when I went on my knees inside my prison cell and cried out to God. I asked God for forgiveness and told Him to guide me henceforth. I started reading my Bible every day, as well as attending the in-prison Bible Study conducted by Pr Kelvin from Gethsemane BPC. Slowly, Pr Kelvin guided me and taught me God’s Word. God also gave me a strong desire to read His Word. When I was out of prison and came to “The Helping Hand” for my rehabilitation programme, I continued to keep in touch with Pr Kelvin, who invited me to Gethsemane Church a few months later. I thank God for this church and for Pastor Koshy who expounds God’s Word accurately and teaches us without fear or favour. My belief system and way of thinking changed as I was impacted by the messages, week after week in Gethsemane. I really am so grateful to the Lord for Gethsemane that I decided to be a member after a year of attending the church. By the grace of God, I have faithfully attended all of the lessons of the Catechism Class. 

During this Catechism Class, I have learnt much truth from God’s Word. I’ve learnt much about Creation and the origin of man; about what sin is and how much God hates sin; about our Lord Jesus Christ’ life, death and resurrection; about God’s plan of salvation; about bearing a good testimony for Christ and prayer; about the end-times and the Lord’s return. Through this Catechism Class, I have been taught the doctrinal stand of GBPC, as opposed to the false teachings of the Charismatic Movement. 

I have learnt a lot after attending Gethsemane. God has opened my eyes to His Truth. I really want to thank God for His grace and mercy for me that have found and met me at the lowest point in my life. As broken relationships in my family are being restored, I want my family to witness my redeemed life and see the living God working in my life. God has opened a way for me to take part-time courses at FEBC. I want to encourage more brothers like me who are in the bondage of drugs and are suffering silently. I pray that God will show mercy on all these souls that I will be reaching out to. I am so grateful to God, and the leaders of this church for working so hard for Christ. I want to be a part of Gethsemane Church. Finally, after learning the truth about baptism and the reason why we believers have to go through it, I sincerely wish to be baptized and continue growing here as well. May God answer my heartfelt prayer, and may His “goodness and mercy … follow me all the days of my life” (Psalm 23:6).

Valentina Quezon

I was born and raised in a Roman Catholic family in the Philippines. I grew up, being surrounded with non-Christian friends influencing me to drink and do many worldly things. In year 2017, I was invited to a Christian church, where by the power of God’s Word preached by the pastor, I believe in Jesus that day. Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me”. I rejoiced in this verse and was convicted that Jesus is the only way for me to be saved as a sinner. 

In 2021, the Lord answered my prayer and led me to Singapore to work as a domestic helper. Deep in my heart I felt something missing, as I wanted to go to church and worship God but didn’t know how. One day, I met Asher Vijay on Facebook, where he invited me to worship at GBPC. When I first attended GBPC on 24 March 2022, I was impressed by the warm and welcoming church people, who also invited me to attend GFF. For a foreigner like me coming from overseas to work here, this felt like “home” to me. By continually attending GBPC, I got to know more and more of God’s truth in His Word. Pastor Koshy’s preaching is very encouraging and motivating for me as a new believer. It helps me to learn to walk more closely with the Lord, and not in the ways of the world. 

God has put a desire in my heart to attend the Catechism Class, and I thank God for the opportunity to learn His Word, and for such a blessing for my spiritual life. Thank God for the church elders who teach this Catechism Class. Through the true teaching of the Bible, I began to understand many church doctrines and Gospel truths which I previously didn’t know about. God showed me how much He loved and cared for me by sending His only begotten Son Jesus Christ to live a perfect life that I cannot live. Though I have been living a sinful life, yet because of His love for me, He died a horrific death on the cross for my past, present and future sins. He thus became my Substitute for my sins. I know that I have been living a selfish life of materialistic ambitions and self-delusion. I’ve cried to God, and I repent of my sins and surrender my life to Him. Not only I must believe, but I must also surrender everything to Him, and follow Him by obeying His words and commandments. I will trust and love Jesus with all my heart, and mind, and strength, because He has loved me first. 

Though difficulties and struggles may come, and relationships may fail, I will trust in Him. I do not know what the future holds for me, but I know my heavenly Father holds my future. “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple” (Psalm 27:4). I thank God for GBPC and for all His faithful servants. To God be the glory and honour.

Psalm 2:11—“Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling.”

When we make ourselves available to serve God sincerely, feelings of joy mingled with fear would fill our hearts. Divine service often engenders many emotions and virtues in the hearts of His servants. Here the psalmist speaks of fear, joy and trembling as the expected and most suitable feelings and experiences of the LORD’s servants.

Fear and joy may appear to be two contrasting feelings, yet they co-exist in the hearts of those who serve the LORD. Both are necessary feelings of those who come into the awesome presence of God to serve Him.

Scripture reminds us in Psalm 89:7, “God is greatly to be feared in the assembly of the saints, and to be had in reverence of all them that are about him.” We must not only have great reverence for the LORD’s majesty, but must also possess great fear of His wrath against disobedient conduct in the midst of divine service. The LORD should be served with awe; all the teachings of God’s Word confirm this. His majesty, power, holiness, justice are to be greatly feared.

Such fear of the LORD makes His servant exceedingly cautious and diligent as he renders himself to the LORD’s work. The fear of the LORD makes him wise unto holiness, faithfulness and fervency, which are essential to the LORD’s work. It will drive away reluctance, slothfulness and sinful habits from the heart of His servant and will fill him with readiness, zeal and obedience for solemn service before Him.

The fear of God is never detrimental to one’s spiritual joy. It is rather a forerunner of joy in the LORD’s service. Those who serve God in godly fear will find themselves filled with joy unspeakable in the presence of God. Their reverential fear of the greatness of God dispels hesitancy and gloom to serve Him. Cheerful, happy service then freely flows out of their hearts, which are filled with the glory of the sovereign LORD. The service of God begets the highest joy that a man has ever known. When the hearts of His servants are overwhelmed with such earnest and sombre emotions, they would even be overcome with “trembling”! Unlike the carnal and worldly rejoicing that produces a puffed-up attitude, the spiritual joy of service evokes solemn inner impulses of humility and devotion, which are referred to here as “trembling”. The LORD’s servant is girded with humility and submission as he reverentially and joyfully renders his service.

Greetings Received

Rev. Reggor Galarpe

Dear Pastor, elders, deacons and all our beloved brethren,

Greetings in the Blessed Name of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ! With praise and thanksgiving to the Lord, I wish you all a “Blessed 35th Anniversary!” 

We rejoice together with you as you celebrate the Lord’s goodness and faithfulness upon the church in blessing all her labours in the ministry of the Gospel all these years.

On this happy occasion, I would like to express our sincere appreciation for all your prayers and support. Also, please know that your commitment, zeal and enthusiasm for the Lord’s work have been a great encouragement to us here in Cebu. 

We thank the Lord for His faithful under-shepherd, our beloved Pastor Koshy, who has faithfully laboured in nurturing God’s flock – not only in Singapore, but even among the mission churches and many others in different parts of the world, through his teaching and preaching ministry made available on the internet.

We also commend the Board of Elders and the deacons in their commitment to serve alongside Pastor Koshy, together with the preachers and faithful co-labourers serving in various capacities, as well as all our fellow brethren. “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” (1 Corinthians 15:58).

May the Lord richly bless you and continue to prosper your labours, and enable you to do even greater things for His glory.

Blessed 35th Anniversary!

Rev. Donald dela Cruz

Dear Pastor Koshy,

 The hot weather has officially started here in the Philippines. The weather is currently very dry and hot. The scorching heat is now felt especially during noon time. Rain is also very rare. The hot weather is still felt even late at night. I have advised the brethren to stay hydrated and be careful against heat stroke. May the Lord protect the brethren from any sickness.

 I praise the Lord for the provision of transportation for the brethren from Binday. Though most of them have their own motorcycles with sidecars, they are lacking drivers. Sometimes, there are Sundays when some families are not able to join the worship service because their drivers are not available. Praise the Lord for bringing one employee of Bro Kyt to serve as a driver. His name is Roel. He has been attending the worship service regularly. Bro Kyt had earlier asked him if he was interested to ferry people, which he happily agreed. He is driving Bro Kyt’s minivan. Our jeepney, which we previously used to fetch people, is still functioning but we have no driver. God willing, we can let him use the jeepney after some inspection. Surely, if God can answer our prayer about the provision of a driver, I told the brethren that God is also able to provide for the needs of His work, as well as their personal needs. I encouraged them to continue to trust the Lord, for He is faithful.

 Furthermore, I praise the Lord for enabling the church choir to learn and sing praises unto the Lord. Singing in harmony (in 4 parts), with “SATB” voices, is not common here. Most of the brethren are not even familiar with that. Nevertheless, the sisters singing in alto have adjusted very well, and I am very thankful that the brothers singing in bass are slowly catching up.

 Last but not least, I praise the Lord for sustaining Gethsemane BP Church, Singapore for the last 35 years. The Lord has used the church in so many ways that cannot be numbered. There were many struggles, but the spiritual blessings eclipse the difficulties. Praise the Lord for strengthening you to anchor the work of the mission stations. On behalf of the brethren here in Pangasinan, I wish you all a “Blessed Anniversary!”